THE  UNIVERSITY  OF 

NORTH  CAROLINA 

LIBRARY 


THE  WILMER  COLLECTION 

OF  CIVIL  WAR  NOVELS 

PRESENTED  BY 

RICHARD  H.  WILMER,  JR. 


LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


OR  TUB 


DISINHERITED. 


BY   MOSES   H.    SAWYER. 


PORTLAND : 
PUBLISHED  BY  THE  AUTHOR. 

1861. 


To  ^STV^ILLIi^M:  H.  IMIIDDLETON,  Esci,, 

OF 

New  York, 

whose-tbue  and    disinterested  friendship 

has  been  faithfully  tried, 

not  only  in  gloomy  days  of  adversity, 

but   through  bright   years   of  prosperity, 

this  tale  is  inscribed 

as  an  assurance  of  gratitude, 

BY 
HIS  FRIEND, 

THE  AUTHOR. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER. 

I. 

TuE  Inn           -            -            - 

II. 

"     Retreat 

III. 

"     Home  of  William 

IV. 

"     Attack 

V. 

"     Arrest  and  Sentence    - 

VI. 

"     Betrothal     - 

VII. 

"     Mutineer's  Bride 

VIII. 

"     Frigate's  Departure 

IX. 

"     Hurricane 

X. 

"     Argument 

XI. 

"     Execution  and  Escape  - 

XII. 

"     Fight 

9 
15 

22 
27 
38 
48 
57 
63 
68 
74 
82 
91 


VI. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER. 

PAGE. 

XIII. 

Tub  Letter    -            -            -            - 

-      101 

XIV. 

"    Act  of  Tybanky 

108 

XV. 

"     Regret    -            -            -            - 

-      122 

XVI. 

"     Imprisonment 

135 

XVII. 

"     Cannonade          _            _            _ 

-      144 

XVIII. 

"     Refusal         -            _            _ 

152 

XIX. 

"     Unsuccessful  Search    - 

-      1G8 

XX. 

"     Happy  News  - 

182 

XXI. 

*■'     Frigate's  Arrival 

-       187 

XXII. 

"     Parents'  Displeasure 

194 

XXIII. 

"     Grand  Party      .            -           - 

-      212 

XXIV. 

"     Disinheriting 

220 

XXV. 

"     Preparations  for  Marriage    - 

228 

XXVI. 

"     Abduction      -            -            . 

235 

XXVII. 

"     Chase      -           .           .           . 

-      242 

XXVIII. 

"     Removal 

253 

XXIX. 

"    Unintentional  Conquests 

-      258 

CONTENTS. 


VII. 


CHAPTER. 

XXX. 

The  Disclosure    - 

XXXI. 

"    Challenge 

XXXII. 

"     Last  of  Fellows 

XXXIII. 

"    Resignation 

XXXIV. 

''    New  Home      - 

XXXV. 

"     Discovery 

XXXVI. 

"    Marriage 

XXXVII. 

"     Unfortunate  Step 

XXXVIII. 

"     Will  - 

XXXIX. 

"    Fall 

XL. 

"     Reconciliation 

XLI. 

"     Conclusion 

266 
283 
287 
295 
299 
310 
317 
325 
329 
333 
337 
345 


THE  DISIjNHERITED. 


CHAPTEE   I. 

THE    INN. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  eighteenth  century,  in  the 
ancient  town  of  Plymouth,  England,  there  was  situated 
upon  the  north  side  of  what  was  then  called  Pell  street, 
and  not  far  from  the  harbor,  an  old-fashioned  inn.  The 
upper  story  protruded  over  the  lower  to  the  distance 
of  several  feet,  which  feature,  added  to  the  leaning 
position  of  the  whole  building  towards  the  street,  — 
owing  to  the  settling  of  the  ground  in  front,  —  gave 
the  house  rather  a  threatening  attitude  to  people  pass- 
ing. Yet  it  was  as  firm  as  a  rock,  and  thus  it  remained 
for  many  long  years  after.  The  main.door  opened  upon 
a  room  w^hich  occupied  nearly  all  the  space  of  the 
ground  floor.  Upon  a  slightly  elevated  seat  in  this 
room,  at  the  time  of  the  commencement  of  our  story, 
was  a  young  female  of  great  beauty,  whose  large  eyes 
were  so  fascinating  that  when  once  seen,  their  expression 
was  never  afterwards  forgotten.  Around  her  in  front, 
was  a  semi-circular  counter,  on  which  were  several  beer 
faucets,  and  on  either  side  were  three  highly  polished 
spirit  casks.  Around  the  many  oaken  tables  that  were 
arranged  over  a  lately  sanded  floor,  sat  customers  who 
were  happy  in  drinking  and  smoking,  or  admiring  this 
pretty  bar-maid. 
2 


10  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

On  the  second  floor,  the  parlor,  sitting-room,  dining- 
room,  and  kitchen  were  in  close  proximity  to  each  other. 
The  parlor  was  tastefully  arranged.  A  sofa  was  on  the 
right,  a  fire  grate  at  the  left ;  a  portrait  of  an  elderly 
gentlemen,  and  one  of  a  lady,  hung  on  one  side  of  the 
room,  and  two  oil  paintings  of  about  the  same  size  on 
the  other.  Plain,  tasty  curtains  covered  the  two  prin- 
cipal windows,  and  between  these  windows  was  sus- 
pended a  mirror.  A  small  oval  stand,  on  which  were 
the  Bible  and  other  sacred  and  devotional  books,  oc- 
cupied the  center  of  the  room,  having  at  either  end  a 
plain  arm-chair. 

The  sitting-room  had  a  table  in  the  center,  and  com- 
mon chairs  were  placed  appropriately  around.  A  small 
library  occupied  the  side,  and  opposite,  a  shelf  with  to- 
bacco-box and  pipes  showed  that  some  of  the  inmates 
enjoj^ed  the  weed.  The  dining-room  was  plain  and 
commodious,  and  throughout,  all  things  were  admirably 
arranged. 

Such  was  The  Ixx;  all  the  arrangements  bespeaking 
ease  and  comfort  to  its  occupants,  if  not  luxury.  Mr. 
George  Pederson,  its  proprietor,  might  have  been  fifty 
years  of  age.  He  was  of  medium  height  and  stoutly 
built.  His  complexion  was  light,  eyes  were  dark  and 
very  expressive,  his  hair,  once  black,  was  very  much 
sprinkled  with  gray,  his  brow  was  quite  wrinkled,  and 
other  marks  upon  his  once  active  person  argued  that 
time  had  begun  to  lay  upon  him  its  unfailing  grasp,  yet 
he  was  hale  and  strong. 

He  had  moved  from  London  many  years  previous ; 
and  since  the  demise  of  his  wife,  the  domestic  aff'airs  of 
his  household  had  been  conducted  by  his  only  daughter, 
Kate.  Besides  her  his  family  had  once  included  two 
sons  ;  but  one,  George,  had  been  adopted  when  an  in- 

RBO 
NcU 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  11 

fant,  by  a  lady  in  London,  and  the  other,  Harry,  had 
been  lost  at  sea. 

At  the  date  of  the  commencement  of  our  tale  could 
be  seen,  from  the  windows  of  the  inn,  down  Pell  street, 
the  harbor,  with  the  ships-of-war,  having  upon  their 
decks  hundreds  of  men ;  their  wall  sides  dotted  with 
tiers  of  huge  cannon ;  their  tall  masts  towering  far 
above  the  smooth  surface  of  the  water ;  with  here  and 
there  a  wind-bound  merchant  ship  riding  safely  at  anch- 
or, having  sought  that  protection  in  port  which  the 
channel  in  boisterous  weather  would  not  aflford;  and 
many  small  vessels  and  boats  plying  to  and  fro,  made 
the  scene  lively  in  the  extreme. 

It  was  notorious  that  the  best  liquors  in  town  were 
to  be  found  at  Pederson's,  and  many  of  all  classes  re- 
sorted there  to  partake  of  the  social  glass ;  but  the 
greatest  attraction  of  the  inn  was  Kate,  the  lovely 
daughter  of  the  inn-keeper.  She  was  tall  and  elegant- 
ly proportioned.  Her  features  were  G-recian  ;  her  com- 
plexion dazzlingly  fair.  Her  hair,  which  was  of  a  dark 
auburn,  was  profuse,  and  hung  in  curls  over  her  alabas- 
ter neck.  But  it  was  the  exjvession  of  her  dark  blue 
eyes,  with  her  fascinating  smile,  that  caused  one  to  for- 
get or  rather  overlook  the  beautiful  turn  of  her  features, 
the  elegance  of  her  manners,  and  the  elasticity  of  her 
step.  She  had  scarcely  reached  her  seventeenth  sum- 
mer, and,  as  might  have  been  expected  at  that  age, 
she  was  remarkably  modest  and  unassuming. 

In  consideration  of  the  extraordinary  manner  in  which 
beauty  and  purity  had  favored  her,  it  is  not  astonishing 
that  those  of  the  opposite  sex  should  admire  her.  Gen- 
tlemen's sons,  in  and  out  of  town,  often  called  at  the 
inn  to  see  her ;  officers  of  His  Majesty's  navy,  although 
boasting  the  uniforms  of  Ueutenants   or   midshipmen, 


12  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

often  walked  the  decks  in  the  small  hours  of  night, 
thinking  of  her  bright  eyes.  Many  a  young  man's 
heart  beat  lighter  at  her  smile,  and  many  a  one  gazed 
at  her  with  love  and  admiration  as  he  drank  his  wine 
or  smoked  his  cigar,  absorbed  in  pleasing  thought. 

It  was  on  a  lovely  evening  in  July.  The  sun  had 
long  since  disappeared  beneath  the  western  horizon,  and 
the  shades  of  night  had  fallen  upon  the  streets  of  Plym- 
outh. Upon  the  hills  and  valleys,  and  upon  the  smooth 
surface  of  the  harbor  there  was  still  a  gleam  of  twi- 
light ;  but  in  the  narrow  streets,  where  tall  buildings 
reared  up  to  the  height  of  several  stories,  it  was  dark. 
The  lamps  of  the  town  were  lighted.  The  eight  o'clock 
gun  had  hurled  forth  its  thunder,  the  roll  of  the  drum 
had  called  on  duty  one  set  of  guards,  and  sent  another 
off.  Two  young  men  entered  the  inn,  and  seated  them- 
selves at  the  far  end  of  the  room.  They  were  dressed 
in  plain  suits  of  blue ;  but  one  side  of  a  cap  cover  had 
accidentally  become  hfted  from  its  place,  thereby  dis- 
covering a  portion  of  a  gilt  band,  and  making  it  evident 
they  were  officers  in  the  navy. 

"  She  ^5  pretty,  is  she  not,  George  ?  "  said  the  oldest, 
who  we  may  as  well  state  here,  was  first  lieutenant  of 
the  Hace  Horse  frigate,  then  at  anchor  in  the  harbor. 

"  She  is,  indeed !  "  returned  the  other,  but  then  she's 
low  born  and  ignorant ;  and  as  for  virtue,  poh !  I  am 
sure  they  are  all  alike,  these  bar-maids  !  She's  here  to 
draw  custom." 

"  And,  judging  from  the  appearance  of  this  crowded 
room,"  said  the  lieutenant,  "  I  think  she  has  succeeded. 
But  why  do  you  speak  against  her  ?  she  appears  quite 
ladylike,  I'm  sure.  Her  father  is  the  proprietor  here, 
and  /  think  it  is  in  her  favor  that  she  is  industrious." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  13 

The  midshipman  shrugged  his  shoulders  and  said, 
sneeringly,  "  She  seems  to  me  a  confirmed  coquette." 

"  Hush !  "  cried  the  Ueutenant,  "  here  is  the  waiter ! 
What  will  you  drink  ?  " 

"  Port." 

"  And  I  a  brandy  straight^  to  the  health  of  the  pret- 
tiest girl  in  England." 

The  last  sentence,  purposely  spoken  loud,  reached 
the  ears  of  the  bar-maid ;  and  although  it  did  not  ap- 
pear to  offend,  it  did  his  companion,  who  exclaimed, 

"  William !  how  can  you  so  forget  yourself  as  to 
speak  in  such  a  manner  ?  See  !  how  these  low  fellows 
stare  at  us  !  Do  let  us  go  !  Why  did  we  £ome  to  such 
a  common  place  ?  " 

"  Sir !  "  sharply  answered  the  other,  "  remember  we 
are  in  disguise.  You  said  you  wished  a  glass  of  extra 
port,  here  it  comes.  You  said  you  wished  to  see  a 
pretty  girl,  there  she  is.  And  even  if  we  were  not  dis- 
guised, I  know  not  what  will  injure  us,  for  gentlemen 
of  the  highest  respectability  visit  here ;  our  commander 
called  here  yesterday;  there  are  gentlemen  at  those 
tables  yonder;  and  if  this  place  is  not  good  enough  for 
the  son  of  Lord  North  to  drink  in,  I  cannot  help  it." 

The  midshipman,  for  such  was  the  younger,  made  no 
reply.  They  drank  in  silence  and  departed;  and  as 
the  lieutenant  closed  the  door,  he  made  a  respectful 
bow  to  Kate,  exclaiming  to  himself,  "  Beautiful  girl !  I 
will  take  another  time  to  drink  your  health,  and  will 
come  alone." 

"  That  wine  was  delicious,"  said  George,  as  they  en- 
tered the  carriage  which  was  in  waiting  for  them. 

"  And  so  was  the  brandy ;  and  besides  it  was  en- 
hanced in  worth  by  being  handed  to  me  by  the  lovely 
bar-maid." 


14  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  Admitted.  But  why  extol  her  so  highly  ?  Why 
call  her  the  prettiest  girl  in  England  ?  " 

"  Because  she  is  so,"  answered  the  lieutenant. 
"  Foh  !  "   exclaimed   the   midshipman.     You   wrong 
others  when  you  say  so ;  there  is  your  sister !  " 

"  JMy  sister  is  a  sweet  girl,  but  that  does  not  prevent 
my  seeing  beauty  in  others." 

"  Can  it  be  possible,"  cried  George,  "  that  my  friend 
has  become  enamored  of  that  low  born  girl  ?  " 

"  Not  so  fast !  "  said  the  other.  "  I  was  only  endeav- 
oring to  explain  the  difference  between  the  praises  due 
to  a  sister  and  one  who  is  not  a  blood  relation ;  but  you 
do  not  allow  me,  for  the  moment  1  begin,  you  interrupt 
me." 

"  Well,  go  on,  then,"  said  the  midshipman,  "  and  I'll 
remain  silent." 

"  You  belong  to  a  high  family,  and  so  do  I.  You 
have  a  great  prejudice  against  industry;  against  those 
who  are  poor ;  I  have  not.  It  is  the  industrious  who 
roll  on  the  wheel  of  fortune, — the  industrious  who  stim- 
ulate virtue,  honor,  honesty,  intelligence,  health,  wealth, 
prosperity,  and  other  advantages  to  the  human  family ; 
but  it  is  the  indolent  that  promote  vice,  dishonor,  igno- 
rance, poverty,  ill -health,  and  other  evils.  If  I  seek  an 
honest  man  I  will  generally  find  him  industrious,  and  if 
I  seek  a  knave,  I  will  generally  find  him  among  the  idle. 
If  I  seek  a  virtuous  female,  she  will  be  found  industri- 
ous, and  those  who  are  not  virtuous  are  generally  in- 
dolent. You  appear  to  be  prejudiced  against  that  poor 
girl  because  she  is  industrious ;  but  for  this,  instead  of 
giving  her  censure,  I  applaud  her;  and  instead  of  being 
prejudiced  against  her,  I  am  proud  to  say  that  I  am 
biased  in  her  favor." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  15 


CHAPTEE  II. 

THE    RETREAT. 

London,  during  the  early  part  of  the  reign  of  G-eorge 
the  Third,  was  not  in  many  respects  as  it  is  now.  It  is 
true  that  "Westminster,  the  Tower,  the  monuments, 
bridges,  palaces,  docks,  spires,  etc.,  then  existed ;  the 
Thames'  w^aters  ebbed  and  flowed  past  her  towering 
walls  and  roofs ;  and  thousands  of  people  thronged  her 
streets  as  now^  But  the  order  of  society ;  the  safety 
of  the  public ;  the  customs,  habits,  and  fashions  of  the 
people,  were  very  different. 

Hordes  of  banditti  frequented  her  by-w^ays  in  disguise, 
and  he  who  unwisely  ventured  into  eitJier  of  many  of 
the  narrow  streets,  having  the  appearance  of  wealth  up- 
on his  person,  often  put  his  life  in  jeopardy. 

Upon  an  eminence  about  a  mile  from  the  river,  and 
half  that  distance  below  London  bridge,  was  the  entrance 
of  a  narrow  lane,  scarcely  wider  than  three  persons 
would  require  to  pass  abreast.  It  descended  to  a  con- 
siderable distance,  taking  a  circular  direction  to  the  left, 
then  turning  to  the  right,  around  a  small  side  hill,  and 
then  to  the  left  again,  formed  a  somewhat  imperfect  let- 
ter S  ;  and  running  on  some  distance  further,  was  lost 
amidst  several  short  alleys,  that  ran  in  different  direc- 
tions, crossing  each  other  at  various  angles.  The  height 
of  many  of  the  buildings  on  either  side  this  lane,  with  the 
thick  mist,  fog,  and  smoke,  that  at  most  times  envelop- 
ed London,  caused  it  to  be  quite  dark  even  by  day,  and 
of  course  still  more  so  by  night. 


16  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

In  the  most  narrow,  crooked,  and  dark  part  of  the 
lane,  and  farthest  from  any  public  thoroughfare,  were 
three  time-worn,  dilapidated  houses,  situated  a  little  dis- 
tance from  each  other.  They  were  all  connected,  how- 
ever, by  subterranean,  passages,  which  besides  ran  to 
and  fro,  in  different  directions,  and  extended  as  far  as 
the  river,  where  they  connected  with  the  sewers,  thus 
completing  a  communication  Between  the  houses  and 
river.  Spring  trap-doors,  nicely  constructed  at  the  turn 
of  each  passage  through  the  floors,  and  between  the 
ceihngs,  made  many  places  of  concealment  so  secure, 
that  the  police,  with  all  their  shrewdness  and  ingenuity, 
could  not  find  a  person  hidden  within  these  houses,  or 
the  dark  recesses  of  their  subterranean  passages. 

Notwithstanding  these  houses  had  the  external  ap- 
pearance of  ruin  and  poverty,  yet  they  were  richly  fur- 
nished internally,  and  numerous  articles  of  value  were 
promiscuously  distributed  in  dijQTerent  apartments  ;  and 
jewelry,  silver  plate,  and  money  were  no  strangers  to 
their  closets.  Their  proprietors  were  a  band  of  outlaws 
who  infested  the  country  far  and  near ;  sometimes  fre- 
quenting the  city,  town,  and  village  ;  sometimes  the  for- 
ests, or  the  mountains ;  sometimes  the  sea ;  disguised 
variously  as  travelers,  policemen,  sailors,  priests,  or 
merchants.  They  accumulated  much  wealth  ;  and  al- 
though many  had  been  brought  to  justice  and  hanged, 
yet  they  were  so  numerous,  and  had  so  many  places  of 
concealment,  that  they  still  existed,  still  plundered,  and 
still  murdered. 

It  had  been  hinted  that  the  police  were  watching  the 
lane,  as  they  were  of  opinion  that  outlaws  had  a  retreat 
there ;  but  in  what  part,  or  in  which  house,  or  houses, 
they  did  not  know ;  and  they  dared  not  enter  even  its 
most  respectable  part,  excepting  in  a  very  strong  body. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  17 

It  was  on  a  pleasant  evening  in  April,  that,  in  a  back 
room  of  the  center  and  largest  house,  was  seated  upon 
a  richly  covered  sofa,  two  men.  One  was  tall  and  ro- 
bust; his  face  was  covered  with  a  black  beard  and 
moustache.  His  long  hair,  of  the  same  color,  brushed 
back  from  his  expansive  forehead,  gave  him  a  look  of 
intelligence ;  while  his  dark  eye  bespoke  a  more  than 
common  degree  of  cunning  and  wickedness.  He  was 
dressed  in  a  black  suit,  and,  with  the  exception  of  a 
small  brace  of  pistols,  concealed  beneath  the  folds  of 
his  coat,  was  unarmed.  He  had  precisely  the  appear- 
ance of  a  London  gentleman  ;  but  his  bearing  betoken- 
ed one  used  to  command.  He  was  young,  scarcely 
twenty-five ;  yet  one  would  have  judged  him  to  have 
been  older.  He  was  the  celebrated  Fellows  !  chief  of 
a  gang  of  thieves,  whose  name  had  made  many  a  trav- 
eler tremble,  and  by  whose  deeds  many  a  one's-  pock- 
ets contained  less  of  the  precious  metal. 

The  other  was  stout  and  scarcely  of  ordinary  heio*ht  • 
yet  elastic  and  active,  although  many  years  the  sen- 
ior of  his  companion.  His  face  was  closely  shav- 
en, dark,  rough,  and  wrinkled,  as  if  it  had  been  expos- 
ed to  many  hardships,  and  much  dissipation.  A  pair 
of  long  boots  were  drawn  over  his  nether  limbs ;  and 
under  his  coat  was  concealed  a  dagger.  He  had  dark, 
wicked  eyes,  like  the  other ;  and,  taking  him  all  in  all, 
was  as  savage  a  wretch  as  had  ever  pulled  a  trigger,  or 
cried  "  Stand  "  to  a  traveller. 

His  name  was  Hubert ;  and  a  fit  instrument  to  carry 
into  effect  any  dark  deed  that  his  subtle  commander 
might  suggest  was  he. 

"  How  did  you  escape  from  that  policeman  ?"  demand- 
ed Fellows. 

"  Took  him  under  the  ribs  with  this"    ( placing  his 


IS  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

hand  upon  his  dagger ),  ''  and  dropped  him  into  the  riv- 
er." 

**  And  what  became  of  the  package  ?" 

"  I  threw  it  into  the  sewer,  and  instantly  followed  it ; 
while  Fletcher  pushed  the  boat  from  the  shore,  and 
was  swept  away  by  the  current," 

"  How  came  you  in  contact  with  the  policeman  ?" 
asked  the  chief  earnestly. 

"  He  came  on  me  suddenly  with  a  lantern,  and  be- 
fore I  could  escape  he  had  me  by  the  shoulder." 

"  I  regret  this  encounter  very  much,"  said  Fellows, 
"  for  now  you  are  open  to  recognition." 

"  He  will  never  recognize  me,  or  any  other  man,  in 
this  world,"  muttered  Hubert,  "  and  it's  not  my  affair 
whom  he  recognizes  in  the  next." 

"  I  hope  w^e  shall  hear  no  more  of  this  affair,  then,  for 
the  lane  is  already  suspected ;  the  police  force  has  been 
increased  of  late,  and  we  must  in  future  be  more  cau- 
tions." As  he  spoke  he  took  a  large  repeater  from  his 
pocket,  and  looking  at  it,  said  it  was  time  for  him  to 
start,  as  he  had  concluded  to  go  into  the  country,  and 
intended  taking  Fletcher  with  him.  That  person  hav- 
ing been  summoned,  proved  to  be  a  young  man  of  pre- 
possessing appearance.  He  was  tall,  and  elegantly 
built;  wore  a  long  coat,  girted  tightly  around  his  waist, 
displaying  his  fine  figure  to  the  best  advantage.  His 
complexion  was  light,  and  the  beard  had  scarcely  begun 
to  grow  on  his  chin  ;  and  his  eyes  bespoke  so  much  can- 
dor, kindness,  and  good  nature  that  none  w^ould  have 
taken  him  to  have  been  other  than  an  honest  man;  and 
it  seemed  a  pity  that  such  a  one  had  embraced  the 
profession  of  a  robber  !  yet  so  it  was,  for  he  was  one  of 
the  followers  of  the  outlaw,  Fellows. 

Fellows  observed  to  Hubert,  that  he  hoped  there 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  19 

would  be  no  more  trouble  with  the  police  during  his 
absence,  and  stated  that  he  should  probably  return  in 
a  fortnight,  and  with  his  companion  left  the  apartment. 
As  the  two  reached  the  densely  crowded  street,  and 
pushed  their  way  through  the  throngs,  none  would 
have  taken  them  to  be  other  than  they  seemed,  quiet 
and  peaceable  citizens. 

Turning  a  narrow  street,  they  walked  along  to  the 
distance  of  a  mile,  when  turning  to  the  right  they  stop- 
ped at  the  door  of  a  house,  situated  a  little  back  from 
the  street,  and  demanded  admittance. 

"  Let  us  step  in,  and  see  old  Peg  for  a  moment,"  re- 
marked Fellows,  "  for  as  she  is  well  posted  upon  many 
points  of  rascality  going  on  in  London,  and  particular- 
ly relating  to  the  whereabouts  of  disguised  poHcemen, 
it  may  be  of  service  to  us  to  see  her." 

The  door  opened,  and  the  well-known  face  of  Fellows 
being  a  passport  at  all  times,  they  were  conducted  into 
the  house. 

An  old  woman,  a  wrinkled  and  forbidding  hag,  near- 
ly seventy  years  of  age,  appeared  to  be  the  Grand  Sen- 
ora  of  the  establishment.  Her  hair,  matted  and  snarled 
in  such  a  w^ay  that  showed  no  comb  or  brush  had 
troubled  it  for  a  long  time,  fell  over  her  neck  and  face, 
thereby  nearly  concealing  them  from  view.  A  bottle 
containing  spirits,  upon  the  old  table, —  as  if  she  had 
been  indulging  in  her  favorite  drink  ;  —  a  pack  of  cards 
upon  the  shelf ;  an  old  arm-chair,  and  three  stools,  were 
the  only  articles  that  were  visible. 

"  Well,  my  boy,"  said  she  to  Fellows,  "  ye  are  quite  a 
stranger  !  it's  sometime  since  ye  darkened  my  door  last 
and  I  began  to  think  ye  had  deserted  old  Peg,  and  tak- 
en a  younger  spy!  What's  kept  ye  so  long  away .?  A 
wager,  it's  some  young  miss,  ha !  ha !  ha  !" 


20  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  You  do  me  wrong,  aunty ;  I  have  been  bus}^,  tight- 
ly pushed,  and  sharply  followed  for  some  time,  and  have 
come  to  see  you  very  particularly." 

"Ah  !  ha  !"  ejaculated  the  old  woman,  "that's  what 
brings  ye  here,  is  it  ?  Ye  mind  me  w- ell  when  ye  are  in 
trouble,  but  when  ye're  all  right,  a  de\dl-a-bit  do  ye  care 
for  old  Peg ;  but  never  mind,  I've  my  finger  on  ye,  so 
it's  all  right,  my  boy,  ha  !  ha  ! 

"  Come  !  come  !  aunty ;  no  more  of  this ;  you  know 
I  do  not  wish  to  desert  you,  and  as  for  a  young  girl,  I 
would  not  snap  my  finger  for  any  one." 

"  Ha  !  boy  !  don't  tell  me  that  —  but  ye  are  young, 
and  it's  all  right." 

"  Aunty,  any  news  of  the  police  ?" 

"  None  !  the  boobies  be  all  right,  but  one,  who  it  seems 
has  stepped  out." 

"  Stepped  out  ?"  asked  Fellows,  "  what  do  you  mean 
by  stepping  out  ?" 

"  Stepped  out,  means  that  he's  missed  —  no  matter 
whether  he's  run  away,  or  hanged  himself" 

"  Is  that  all,  aunty  ?" 

"  That's  all." 

"  How  stands  the  lane  ?" 

The  hag  looked  him  full  in  the  face,  and  said  :  "The 
lane  has  stood  bad  for  a  long  time,  ye  know,  and  I  don't 
think  that  time  improves  it  any." 

"  Any  of  the  countrymen  visited  you  lately  ?" 

"  Ay !  but  none  ye  know,  or  at  least  that  I  would 
have  ye  know." 

"  AVho  were  they,  aunty  r" 

"  Ye  know,  my  boy,  it's  useless  for  ye  to  ask  again, 
for  I  will  not  tell  ye."  Fellows,  knowing  it  would  be 
useless  to  ask  again,  and  having  gained  as  much  inform- 
ation from  her  as  possible,  handed  her  a  few  pieces  of 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  21 

gold,  bade  her  good-night,  and  hurried  from  the  house. 

"  There,  Fletcher !  that  old  woman  is  a  remarkable 
person.  She  has  kept  a  resort  of  that  kind  for  many 
years  ;  she  has  managed  her  cards  so  well  as  to  evade 
the  laws,  and  several  of  the  highwaymen  have  been  ar- 
rested under  her  roof,  yet  she  has  contrived  to  avoid 
suspicion ;  she  has  caused  more  than  one  prisoner  of 
Newgate,  sentenced  to  death,  to  be  liberated ;  her  spies 
are  in  all  parts  of  London,  and  they  watch  particularly 
the  police.  She  is  rich,  and  can  therefore  do  much  in 
the  way  of  procuring  information ;  but  mind  you,  we 
have  to  pay  for  it.  Yes  !  I  have  paid  her  a  great  deal, 
and  expect  to  pay  her  more,  but  if  I  get  into  trouble,  she 
will  assist  me.  She  keeps  a  secret  inviolable,  and  no 
amount  of  gold  has  ever  made  her  disclose  one." 

"  I  noticed,"  said, Fletcher,  "that  she  would  not  dis- 
close to  yo*u,  who  had  visited  her  of  late." 

"  She  would  not,"  replied  Fellows,  "  and  if  she  will 
not  deceive  them,  she  will  not  us.  Now  let  us  get  our 
horses  and  be  off  to  the  country,  and  see  what's  new 
upon  the  road." 

They  stopped  at  a  stable,  and  having  ordered  their 
horses,  they  mounted,  and  rode  leisurely  up  the  street, 
—  passed  through  the  strand,  crossed  London  bridge 
to  Greenwich,  where,  loosing  the  reins  of  their  noble 
steeds,  they  were  soon  far  away  from  London.  On  the 
following  day  they  put  up  at  an  inn,  in  a  small  village 
on  the  road,  where  they  were  joined  by  two  others  of 
their  party,  when  having  become  refreshed  themselves, 
they  continued  on  their  journey,  and  took  the  road  to- 
wards Windsor. 


22  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


CHAPTEE    III. 

THE    HOME    OF    WILLIAM. 

Sir  William  Colborn,  the  father  of  the  lieutenant, 
was  descended  from  an  aristocratic  London  family,  and 
married  a  proud  lady  of  Devonshire.  His  family  was 
not  large,  comprising  only  one  son  and  one  daughter. 
Himself  having  entered  the  army  at  an  early  age,  he 
passed  through  the  usual  military  gradations,  and,  hav- 
ing been  present  in  some  of  the  most  important  battles 
fought  at  that  time,  he  arose  to  the  station  of  Major 
General  in  the  army. 

William  Colborn,  junior,  had  entered  the  "navy  as  a 
midshipman,  and  by  careful  attention,  good  behavior,  a 
quick  turn  to  penetrate  nautical  science,  and  aided  by 
influential  friends,  had  arisen  at  an  early  age  to  the  first 
lieutenantcy  of  one  of  the  finest  frigates  in  the  British 
navy,  the  Eace  Horse. 

His  form  was  rather  more  than  ordinary  size ;  com- 
plexion Hght,  yet  bronzed  by  exposure;  his  features 
Grecian ;  hair  dark,  and  fidling  in  curls  about  his  neck ; 
eyes  dark  and  brilliant ;  whiskers  nicely  trimmed,  and 
moustaches  lengthy. 

He  was  truly  a  noble-looking  man,  with  an  uncom- 
monly intelligent  countenance,  and  there  seemed  to  be 
something  indescribable  in  his  general  appearance  that 
made  him  pleasing  to  all. 

Melissa,  his  sister,  was  tall  and  well  proportioned. 
Her  features,  like  her  brother's,  were  Grecian ;  her 
complexion  dark ;  eyes  black,  and  half  veiled  beneath 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.       .  23 

their  long  lashes  ;  her  black  hair  fell  in  great  profusion 
about  her  swan-like  neck  and  upon  her  shoulders.  She 
moved  with  a  firm  and  haughty  step,  which  she  inher- 
ited from  her  mother,  w^ho,  besides  being  disagreeably 
haughty,  boasted  of  having  descended  from  one  of  the 
most  aristocratic  families  in  Devonshire. 

Sir  AYilliam's  residence  was  situated  upon  a  lofty 
eminence,  called  Mount  Prospect,  about  an  hour's  ride 
from  the  farther  part  of  the  west  end  of  London,  and 
but  a  short  distance  from  the  left  bank  of  the  Thames, 
and  in  the  center  of  about  twenty  acres  of  highly  cul- 
tivated and  most  beautifully  arranged  grounds. 

Upon  the  north,  were  arbors  half  hid  among  the 
shrubbery,  and  profusely  covered  with  vines.  Divided 
and  appropriately  arranged  were  many  foot-paths,  and 
scattered  among  them  were  gardens  and  flower-beds. 

On  the  east,  in  front,  was  a  green,  sloping  lawn,  across 
which  ran  a  serpentine  carriage  path  to  the  lodge,  a 
small,  romantic-looking  building,  having  a  plaster-of- 
paris  statue  of  an  ancient  goddess  on  either  side  of  the 
entrance,  while  numerous  flowers,  simply  arranged,  dec- 
orated its  little  yard. 

On  the  south  were  the  kitchen  gardens,  near  which 
were  commodious  stables,  containing  half-a-dozen  thor- 
oughbred horses,  and  various  apartments  for  other  uses 
occupied  the  space  of  more  than  two  acres  of  land. 
And  on  the  west,  w^as  an  extensive  garden,  containing 
various  kinds  of  fruit  trees  &c. 

The  mansion  was  large.  On  either  side  of  the  outer 
entrance  stood  a  large  bronzed  statue  encased  in  steel 
armor.  One  represented  the  celebrated  Bruce,  and  the 
other  his  companion,  AYallace.  A  few  rare  plants  were 
at  their  feet,  and  the  whole  was  enclosed  with  a  glass 
portico.     A  hall,  with  here  and  there  a  statue,  with 


24  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

trophies  of  foreign  countries  placed  between,  having  its 
walls  decorated  by  ancient  paintings,  ran  through  the 
building's  center  and  opened  on  a  spacious  piazza,  the 
large  and  lofty  pillars  of  which  were  entwined  with  fra- 
grant flowers. 

On  the  left  was  an  immense  drawing-room,  taking  up 
that  entire  part  of  the  building.  Three  stands  of  costly 
mosaic  stood  equidistant  through  the  length  of  the 
room ;  the  side  w^alls  w-ere  ornamented  with  many  of 
the  best  works  of  Vandyke,  Rubens,  and  other  emi- 
nent masters,  and  portraits  of  England's  sovereigns  for 
a  century  back  hung  at  the  ends.  Curtains  of  the  rich- 
est damask  draped  the  windows,  rich  carpeting  covered 
the  floors,  and  each  of  the  tall  stained  windows  had  a 
corresponding  recess  filled  with  mirrors,  that  reflected 
every  object  within  their  range. 

On  the  right  were  a  parlor,  library,  and  dining-room, 
that  were  furnished  to  compare  with  the  great  room  on 
the  left  wing  of  the  building. 

A  study,  many  spacious  chambers,  and  other  rooms, 
were  appropriately  arranged  on  the  second  floor. 

A  large  but  select  party  had  assembled  at  the  man- 
sion to  celebrate  the  anniversary  of  Melissa's  birthday. 
Chandeliers  and  wax  candles  threw  floods  of  light  over 
the  brilliantly  furnished  rooms,  and,  with  the  flash  of 
jewels,  the  wave  of  feathers,  the  glitter  of  brocades, 
combined  to  make  a  scene  of  gorgeous  magnificence. 

George  North  entered  among  the  latest  guests.  He 
was  a  young  man  of  ordinary  appearance.  His  figure 
was  not  tall,  but  was  slender  to  a  fault.  His  features 
were  delicate ;  his  complexion  was  fair ;  hair  fair,  and 
curling  around  his  pohshed  forehead ;  and  his  haughty 
blue  eyes  looked  thoughtfully  under  their  golden  lashes. 
He  could  not  be  called  fine  looking,  for  he  was  too  small 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  25 

in  stature  ;  but  having  a  proud  bearing,  and  being  the 
son  of  a  lord,  he  ^Yas  much  courted  and  flattered  \Yhere- 
ever  he  moved,  while  others,  far  his  superior  in  all  things 
excepting  birth,  were  passed  by  almost  unnoticed.  He 
looked  upon  all  people  not  having  a  due  portion  of  aris- 
tocratic blood  flowing  in  their  veins  as  inferiors ;  and 
although  not  yet  twenty  years  of  age,  he  treated  others, 
even  of  advanced  years,  whom  birth  had  not  placed  so 
high  in  society  as  himself,  with  a  contempt  and  neglect 
often  bordering  on  insult.  In  fact,  his  bearing  in  these 
particulars  won  for  him  the  title  of  a  "  perfect  gentle- 
man" from  the  imbecile  critics  of  his  class,  and  filled 
wise  and  just  men  with  mingled  hatred  and  disgust. 

Persons  of  his  stamp  are  too  often  looked  up  to  with 
sentiments  bordering  closely  upon  adoration,  by  many 
who  are  weak  enough  to  admit  that  to  support  nobility^ 
aristocracy^  and  all  other  principles  of  hereditary  de- 
scent, is  just,  reasonable,  and  wise. 

Young  North  was  a  midshipman  in  the  navy,  not, 
however,  from  capability  or  any  deserving  merit,  but  by 
that  unfair  rule  by  which  birth,  rank,  and  wealth  fill 
the  navy  and  army  hsts  of  England,  too  often  with  im- 
beciles, while  men  of  ability  and  genius  are  excluded. 
He  walked  slowly  through  the  gay  crowd,  bowing  po- 
litely to  all,  and  gracefully  extended  his  hand  to  Melissa. 

She  was  alwa3"s  beautiful,  but  upon  this  occasion 
seemed  more  than  ordinarily  so.  She  w^as  attired  in  a 
plain  pink  silk,  covered  with  white  lace  of  gossamer 
lightness,  a  dress  which  contrasted  well  with  her  dark, 
luxuriant  hair,  and  clear,  sparkling  eyes.  Her  curls 
were  ornamented  with  a  single  rose-bud,  and  bracelets 
set  with  diamonds  were  the  only  ornaments  she  wore. 

"  Why  has  Mr.  North  made  his  appearance  so  late  ?  " 
asked  Melissa,  casting  upon  him  a  modest  look. 


26  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  Those  confounded  hounds  led  us  into  the  forests, 
and  by  following  on,  before  we  caught  the  game  it  was 
half-past  four,"  said  he  ;  "  and  our  horses  being  fatigued, 
and  we  far  away,  were  necessarily  tardy." 

"  Always  ready  with  anansw^er,"  said  Melissa,  smiling 
—  and  at  this  instant  her  brother  joined  them,  and  she 
moved  towards  the  ladies,  leaving  the  young  men  in 
earnest  conversation. 

"  Come  with  me,"  said  Xorth,  as  he  took  the  arm  of 
the  brother  in  his,  "  come ;  and  I'll  introduce  you  to  one 
of  the  most  exquisite  little  charmers  you  ever  dreamt 
of;  and  when  you  see  her,  I  think  you  can  but  say  that 
she  is  the  prettiest  girl  in  England?^ 

They  made  their  way  slowly  down  the  drawing-room, 
when  North  presented  his  friend  to  a  youpg  lady,  and 
after  a  few  questions  and  answers  of  an  unimportant 
character,  excused  himself,  and  joined  another  party. 

WiUiam  being  surrounded  with  several  ladies  of  rank, 
a  class  he  by  no  means  either  sought  or  liked,  and  wish- 
ing to  get  away,  led  the  newly  introduced  to  the  dance, 
and  when  it  was  over,  waited  on  her  back  to  her  seat, 
bowing  with  that  grace  and  politeness  known  only  to  a 
polished  gentleman,  left  her,  and  passed  up  the  room. 

"  Is  she  not  pretty  ?"  asked  George,  hoping  the  aris- 
tocratic lady  had  made  an  impression  upon  what  he 
called  the  low-bent  mind  of  Melissa's  brother. 

"  She  is,"  calmly  answered  William ;  "  but  there  are 
others  as  pretty,"  and  changed  the  subject. 

Time  passed  pleasantly  on  until  night  began  to  wane, 
then  came  the  hour  of  departure.  Carriage  after  car- 
riage rolled  away,  conveying  the  happy  pleasure-seekers 
from  Mount  Prospect,  until  the  rooms  lately  filled  with 
gay  guests  were  deserted.  The  candles  flared  and  went 
out  in  their  sockets,  or  were  extinguished  by  servants, 
and  all  was  silent. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  27 


CHAPTER    IV. 

THE     ATTACK. 

As  the  Epsom  stage-coach  on  the  downward  trip, 
conveying  two  ladies,  six  gentlemen,  and  the  mails,  had 
reached  that  part  of  the  country  which  was  considera- 
bly covered  with  w^oods,  the  postillion  suddenly  reined 
in  the  horses  and  stopped.  It  v/as  late  on  a  dark  and 
cloudy  night  in  April,  and  as  he  had  once  been  molest- 
ed by  robbers  in  the  forest  which  extended  before  him, 
he  hesitated  to  enter  it. 

"  What's  the  matter,  driver  ?"  demanded  a  passenger 
OD  the  front  seat,  —  an  old  man  who  had  not  a  pleasing 
countenance  at  any  time,  much  less  now  that  he  had 
awakened  from  sleep  in  a  very  bad  humor,  wishing  him- 
self he  knew  not  where,  but  certainly  not  in  a  crowded 
coach,  with  no  probability  of  reaching  home  or  an  inn 
for  several  hours. 

"  What's  the  trouble,  I  say  >  Broke  down  ?  Any- 
thin  o^  wronor  ? 

"  There's  nothing  broken,"  mildly  answered  the  pos- 
tillion, "  but  as  there  have  been  robbers  in  this  forest 
ahead,  and  this  being  the  darkest  night  I  have  seen  for 
many  a  month,  I  think  it's  best  to  return  to  the  village 
we  last  left,  and  there  tarry  till  morning." 

"  Return  to  the  village  !  "  exclaimed  the  old  man  in  a 
rage.  "  What  the  devil  would  we  do  there  ?  there  is 
no  inn  there  !  Robbers  !  What's  the  fellow  talking 
about  ?     I've  heard  much  about  robbers  in  my  time, 


28  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

but  never  yet  have  seen  one  !  Don't  be  frightened  at  a 
shadow  !     Drive  on  !  drive  on  ! " 

"  A  pretty  fellow,"  grumbled  another,  "  to  carry  the 
mails!" 

"  "Whj^,"  demanded  another,  "  do  you  hesitate  about 
it  to-night  any  more  than  other  nights  ?" 

"  Because  it's  so  dark ;  and  if  we  should  meet  with 
robbers " 

"  Eobbers  ! "  interrupted  the  old  man,  "  damme,  there 
are  no  robbers  !  I  have  been  from  home  a  week,  and 
must  be  back  to-night,  so  drive  on ;  and  when  you  see 
a  robber  —  mind  you,  with  your  own  eyes  and  not  from 
hearsay  —  call  on  old  Winslow,  and  he  will  take  care  of 
them!" 

"Robbers!"  cried  another  with  a  sneer,  "I  wonder 
what  they  are  like  ?  I  should  like  to  see  one  !  Drive 
on  1  drive  on  !  " 

The  postillion,  muttering  that  perhaps  the  speaker 
might  be  gratified,  touched  the  noble  steeds  with  the 
whip,  and  the  stage  rolled  into  the  dark  mass  of  woods. 

"  "Wliat's  the  reason,"  asked  the  old  man,  "  that  these 
drivers  are  so  often  telling  about  highwaymen  ?  Now 
the  idea  of  such  a  class  of  men  being  in  this  country  is 
ridiculous." 

"  Perhaps,"  answ^ered  another,  "  he  wished  to  return 
to  the  village  for  some  interested  motive." 

"  No,"  said  a  third,  "  these  fellows  are  so  stupid  and 
superstitious,  that  they  imagine  every  object  they  see  is 
either  a  ghost  or  a  robber  ! " 

>  Crack,  crack,  sounded  the  whip,  as  the  anxious  pos- 
tillion urged  forward  the  horses,  to  get  through  the  for- 
est, when  suddenly  a  shrill  cry  of  "  rein  in^^our  horses  !" 
smote  his  ears,  and  the  next  instant  the  leaders  fell  back 
upon  the  wdieel-horses,  and  the  vehicle  stopped. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  29 

"  What's  the  matter  now  ?"  demanded  the  old  man. 

"  We  are  attacked  by  robbers,  as  I  suspected,"  an- 
swered the  postilHon,  "  so  be  prepared  to  defend  your- 
selves ! " 

"  By  heaven ! "  cried  the  old  man,  "  'tis  false  !  Drive 
on!" 

But  confusion  soon  reigned  within  the  coach,  ladies 
shrieked,  gentlemen  held  to  the  doors,  and  the  next 
instant  the  muzzle  of  a  large  double-barreled  pistol  was 
thrust  through  the  window  on  the  side  of  the  old  man, 
and  four  dark  lanterns,  suddenly  uncovered,  threw  their 
bright  rays  on  the  passengers,  disclosing  to  them  the 
stalwart  forms  of  four  men,  firmly  mounted  and  armed 
to  the  teeth. 

"  By  the  piper  of  Howthe,"  howled  the  old  man, 
"  'tis  true.  Let  me  out  of  this."  And  he  made  an  ef- 
fort to  crowd  away  from  that  corner  of  the  coach,  as 
the  contents  of  one  of  the  pistol  barrels  passed  over  his 
shoulder ;  but  he  avoided  these  assailants  only  to  en- 
counter at  the  opposite  door  a  powerful  man,  who,  seiz- 
ing him  by  the  collar,  pulled  him  out  and  hurled  him 
headlong  down  a  steep  bank,  into  a  deep  mud-puddle. 

Several  pistol  shots  were  exchanged,  and  two  passen- 
gers were  killed  and  one  wounded. 

Meanwhile,  the  old  man  chmbed  up  the  bank,  and, 
with  the  fierceness  of  a  demon,  leveled  his  pistol  at  the 
breast  of  one  of  the  outlaws,  and  pulled  the  trigger ;  but 
it  missed  fire,  the  powder  having  become  wet  by  immer- 
sion in  the  water.  The  robber  in  turn  leveled  upon  the 
old  man,  saying,  as  he  t^hrew  the  full  rays  of  his  lantern 
into  his  face,  "  My  powder  is  not  wet,  so  be  motionless 
and  silent,  or  I'll  pull  upon  you  instantly." 

The  highwaymen  had  the  advantage.  The  passen- 
gers were  compelled  to  submit,  and  they  were  soon 


30  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

plundered  of  their  watches,  rings,  money,  and  other 
valuables.  Then  the  mails  were  robbed,  and  the  high- 
waymen mounted  their  horses  and  disappeared,  leaving 
the  stage  to  proceed  on  its  journey. 

Another  kind  of  uproar  ensued  in  the  coach.  The 
ladies  thanked  Providence  for  their  escape,  the  wound- 
ed man  complained  bitterly  of  his  pain,  and  the  old 
man  cursed  the  evil  fortune  that  deprived  him  of  the 
use  of  his  pistol.  "  May  they  roast  in  sulphur," 
cried  he,  "for  this!  Here  I  am,  robbed  of  my^ watch 
and  chain,  a  valuable  ring,  and  a  purse  containing  more 
than  two  hundred  pounds.  Oh  !  that  wretch  who  threw 
me  in  the  water !     May  fiends  torment  him." 

The  postillion,  listening  to  these  loud  execrations,  and 
thinking  of  the  laughable  position  of  the  crabbed  old 
man  in  the  mud-pool,  and  of  his  own  lucky  escape,  for 
he  had  lost  nothino-,  chang^ed  his  mood  of  sullen  thought 
to  a  feeling  of  good  humor,  and  recollecting  how  the 
passengers  had  insulted  him,  opened  the  little  window 
through  which  he  communicated  with  them,  and  good- 
naturedly  said : 

"  Sirs !  you  have  now  seen  how  those  fellows  look, 
and  what  they  are  like,  and  I  believe  Mr.  Winslow  has 
not  taken  care  of  them,  as  he  agreed  to." 

Early  the  following  morning  the  stage  rolled  up  to 
its  accustomed  stand,  beneath  the  sign  of  the  Epsom 
Inn.  Numbers  soon  gathered  around  to  learn  what 
had  happened.  Lodgers  and  other  inmates  of  the  inn 
came  running  out,  and  others  half  dressed  looked  from 
the  windows.  The  old  man,  covered  with  mud,  with 
his  hair  standing  nine-ways-for- Sunday,  and  clothing 
torn  and  minus  his  hat,  in  no  enviable  humor,  ascended 
the  steps  and  entered  the  inn. 

The  news  of  the  robbery  rapidly  spread,  and  soon 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  31 

the  unfortunate  passengers  were  surrounded  by  eager 
people,  clamorous  to  know  all  about  it. 

"  You  are  fortunate  in  escaping  with  life,"  said  a  sym- 
pathizing citizen  to  the  old  man. 

"  Fortunate  ! "  cried  he  with  a  sneer.  "  I  know  not 
what  you  call  good  fortune  !  Here  I  am,  robbed  of  — 
look  at  me  !  Oh  !  the  villain  who  threw  me  into  that 
mud-puddle !  And  this  is  what  you^  si?;  term  being 
fortunate  !     3Io}i  dieu  1 " 

"  I  did  not  mean,"  mildly  repUed  the  citizen,  "  that 
you  had  been  fortunate  in  having  been  robbed  or  thrown 
into  a  mud-puddle " 

"  Thrown  into  a  mud-puddle  ! "  shrieked  the  old  man 
in  an  awful  rage,  stepping  towards  the  stranger,  who 
became  frightened  and  ran  out  of  the  inn,  leaving  him 
raving  like  a  maniac. 

The  breakfast  bell  rang,  and,  as  the  travelers  had 
fasted  since  the  previous  day,  and  were  much  in  need 
of  nourishment,  after  a  hasty  preparation,  they  were 
nothing  loth  to  seat  themselves  at  the  table. 

At  the  sight  and  smell  of  beef-steak,  mutton  chops, 
hot  rolls,  coffee,  et  cetera^  the  old  man  became  more  com- 
posed, or  at  least  civil. 

There  were  about  twenty  persons  at  the  table,  and 
no  other  topic  of  conversation  was  introduced  but  that 
of  the  late  occurrences. 

"  It  seems  to  me,"  said  a  gentleman  in  black,  "  that 
you  ought  to  have  beaten  the  villains  off,  as  there  were 
but  four  of  them,  and  yourselves  numbered  seven,  all, 
you  say,  well  armed." 

''  They  shut  us  in  the  coach,"  observed  one  of  the 
party,  wishing  to  avert  an  insinuation  that  there  had 
been  some  little  cowardice  displayed. 

"  Shut  you  in  the  coach,  did  they ! "  articulated  the 


32  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

old  man,  casting  upon  the  other  a  sarcastic  look.  "  You 
could  have  leaped  from  the  ^Yindow,  but  no,  the  driver 
and  myself  had  to  contend  against  them  all." 

"  It  is  a  pity  you  could  not  have  shot  the  wretch  who 
threw  you  in  the  ditch,"  remarked  a  gentleman  oppo- 
site, with  a  long  black  beard  and  moustache. 

"  Oh  !  there  is  the  pity  !"  joined  old  Winslow  ;  "  he 
took  me  by  the  throat,  and  before  I  had  time  to  raise 
my  pistol  threw  me  down  the  bank  !  What  an  eye  he 
had  !     I  could  tell  it  in  a  thousand." 

The  two  gentlemen  opposite  could  with  difficulty  re- 
frain from  laughing ;  but  with  a  great  effort  they  retain- 
ed their  composure. 

"  The  police  should  be  immediately  put  upon  their 
track,"  observed  he  in  black,  "  and  arrest  them  ere  they 
escape  to  other  parts." 

"  Pohcemen,"  said  the  landlord,  "  are  never  where 
they  should  be  when  we  are  in  trouble,  and  often  pres- 
ent when  we  are  not.  I  presume  the  robbers  are  far 
away  ere  this." 

He  in  black  cast  a  meaning  look  to  the  long-bearded 
gentleman,  but  neither  spoke  farther,  and  soon  the 
breakfast  was  over. 

On  the  morning  after  the  robbery,  several  of  the 
sympathizing  inmates  of  the  inn  bade  adieu  to  those  of 
the  unfortunate  passengers  still  remaining  there,  and 
having  cautioned  them  to  guard  against  being  too  ven- 
turesome in  traveling  through  parts  of  the  country  re- 
ported to  be  infested  with  highwaymen,  entered  the 
stage  for  Winchester.     Let  us  go  with  them. 

"  Think  they'll  catch  those  robbers  ? "  asked  one  of 
the  passengers  —  a  little  man  who  had  a  costly  brilliant 
on  each  of  his  little  fingers. 

"  I  do  not,"  answered  he  in  black,  "  for  they  would  be 


OR  THE  DISINUERITED.  33 

very  unwise  to  remain  in  this  part  of  the  country  and 
be  taken.     How  far  do  you  travel  on  this  route  ?" 
"  As  far  as  Esk,  a  small  village  near  Winchester." 
"  And  how  far  do  you  ?"  asked  the  little  man  in  turn. 

"  To  Winchester ;  but  it  will  be  a  long  time  ere  I 
reach  there,  if  all  stages  prove  as  slow  as  this." 

The  old  stage,  with  nearly  worn-out  horses,  was  in- 
deed a  poor  conveyance.  The  road  was  hilly  and  in 
very  bad  order,  as  late  rains  had  settled  the  ground 
here  and  there,  and  in  other  places  there  were  stones 
quite  uncovered,  making  it  really  tedious  in  traveling. 

Now  one  w^heel  fell  suddenly  into  a  hollow,  bringing 
that  side  of  the  coach  down  with  a  jolt  that  made  the 
old  leather  springs  groan  and  creak,  and  throwing  the 
inmates  against  each  other,  and  as  it  rose  again  they 
were  hurled  back.  Thus  thrown  from  side  to  side  the 
weary  passengers  kept  up  a  conversation. 

"  Why  are  these  roads  not  kept  in  order  ?"  asked  one. 
"  We  pay  enough  to  have  good  roads." 

"  And  these  horses,"  said  another  ;  "  such  miserable 
old  nags  I  never  saw.  We  shall  want  for  food  before 
we  reach  an  inn,  and  my  bones  are  already  aching  with 
this  confounded  jolting." 

"This  is  decidedly  the  cap-sheaf  of  all  traveling," 
observed  another. 

"  How  far  is  it  from  here  to  the  nearest  inn  ?  "  asked 
he  in  black. 

"  About  nine  miles,"  replied  his  next  companion. 

"  Oh,  dear  !"  said  one,  "  I  think  we  had  better  return 
to  Epsom." 

"  We  are  far  from  Epsom,"  said  the  little  man,  "  so 
we  must  go  on."  ^ 

"  It  will  be  a  treat  to  reach  the  next  inn,"  said  he  in 
black,  "  for  I  declare  I  am  fatigued  and  hungry." 
3 


34  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  But  'tis  said  that  that  inn  is  haunted,"  observed  one 
of  the  party,  "  and  I  would  rather  be  jolted  from  side 
to  side  in  this  miserable  stage,  and  even  upon  such  a 
road  as  this,  for  days,  than  to  stop  in  a  haunted  house." 

"  Ha !  ha  !  ha  !  you  believe  in  ghosts,  then,"  roared 
the  httle  man. 

"  Of  course  I  do,  and  have  seen  many  a  one,"  replied 
the  party  addressed. 

"  And  so  have  I,"  said  another. 

"  And  I !  and  I !"  said  others. 

"What  are  they  like?"  asked  the  httle  man,  with  a 
sneer.     "  I  really  should  like  to  see  one." 

"  Oh  !  it's  nonsense,  gentlemen,  to  harbor  such  super- 
stition," said  the  man  with  the  long  beard,  "  for  the  days 
of  such  weak  creduhty  are  gone." 

"  At  last,  then,  we  are  here,"  said  the  little  man, "  and 
I  know  not  what  others  intend,  but  I  am  not  to  be  jolted 
any  more  until  I  rest  my  bones."  And  taking  his  cane 
and  overcoat,  he  got  out  of  the  stage. 

"  Nor  I,"  rejoined  he  in  black,  "  for  no  fear  of  ghosts 
will  induce  me  to  let  such  a  slow  coach  as  this  carry  me 
farther." 

"  Nor  I,"  said  the  long-bearded  man,  "  for  although 
I've  heard  much  of  ghosts,  and  have  told  many  a  ghost 
story  myself,  yet  never  have  I  seen  one." 

"  Take  our  word  for  it,"  said  the  others,  ''  that  you 
will  see  one  before  you  leave  that  inn." 

But  further  conversation  was  interrupted  by  the  de- 
parture of  the  vehicle. 

"  Now  for  a  supper  and  good  beds,  and  we'll  be  all 
right,"  said  the  little  man,  as  he  entered  the  inn  and 
boldly  registered  his  name  at  the  office. 

Having  finished  the  repast  and  taken  a  smoke,  they 
were  conducted  to  a  room  on  the  second  floor,  in  which 
were  three  beds,  and  left  to  repose. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  35 

Towards  midnight,  he  in  black  was  awakened  by  a 
strange  sound;  he  called  his  companion,  grasped  his 
pistol,  and,  raisinghimself  in  bed,  cried  "Who's  there?" 
Eeceiving  no  answer,  he  leaped  to  the  floor  to  obtain 
a  light,  when  the  white  forms  of  fom*  apparitions,  slowly 
descending  from  the  ceiling,  met  his  view ;  and  as  he 
thought  of  tlie  warning  given  in  the  coach,  he  retreat- 
ed, trembling  with  fear,  as  far  as  the  bed  would  admit, 
holding  his  pistol  towards  the  specters. 

His  companion,  still  on  the  bed,  grasped  also  his  pis- 
tol, but  refused  to  use  it  or  speak,  although,  as  the 
specters  approached  nearer,  as  if  with  the  intention  of 
molesting,  he  drew  a  long  breath,  as  if  making  a  final 
effort  to  command  his  judgment,  and  saying  in  a  deter- 
mined manner  to  his  companion,  "  be  they  ghosts,  spir- 
its, or  devils,  pull  on  them ! "  the  hammers  of  both  pis- 
tols fell  together.  Flash  !  flash,  again  !  the  remaining 
charges  exploded,  followed  by  human  cries,  a  heavy  fall 
to  the  floor,  the  opening  of  a  door  and  receding  foot- 
steps, which  proved  that  the  apparitions  were  in  reality 
human  beinofs. 

A  Hght  showed  two  lifeless  men,  clad  in  loose  white 
robes,  and  the  little  man,  wounded,  dressed  in  the  same 
manner,  endeavoring  to  crawl  from  the  room. 

"  Appeared  to  the  wrong  men !  waked  up  the  wrong 
party!"  said  the  bearded  man,  with  a  smile.  "I  am 
not  now  surprised,  sir,  that  you  don't  believe  in  ghosts, 
but  I'll  ease  you  of  those  brilliants."  And  as  he  spoke 
he  took  the  diamond  rings  from  his  fingers,  his  watch 
and  money  from  his  pockets,  and  placed  them  carefully 
in  his  own. 

It  had  been  the  habit  of  the  little  villain,  the  keeper 
of  that  inn,  thus  to  appear  (accompanied  with  his  house- 
hold), to  his  guests,  while  in  their  beds,  to  frighten  them 


36  LIEUTENANT  COLBOEN, 

thence  and  from  their  rooms,  and  to  steal  their  vahia- 
bles ;  but  in  this  instance  their  ghostly  plans  were  de- 
cidedly a  failure.  They  had  made  a  sad  mistake  in  re- 
gard to  the  appearance  of  these  two  strangers,  for  they 
had  passed  through  too  many  fights,  tricks,  plots,  sur- 
prises, and  hair-breadth  escapes,  to  be  so  easily  duped. 

Having  the  advantage  now,  they  made  the  most  of  it, 
and  proceeding  from  room  to  room,  searched  for  money 
in  all  parts  of  the  house;  closets,  drawers,  trunks,  and 
chests,  they  ransacked  from  cellar  to  garret.  The  old 
woman's  room  they  were  no  ways  dehcate  about,  but 
searched  everything,  and  succeeded  in  finding  a  large 
amount  of  money,  jewelry,  and  other  articles  of  value. 

They  were  in  fine  spirits  all  this  time,  as  was  quite 
natural ;  and  as  the  best  of  wines  had  quenched  their 
thirst,  they  were  very  jovial,  and  made  much  sport  of 
the  little  man,  who  sat  on  a  chair  moaning,  partly  on 
account  of  his  wound,  and  partly  for  his  great  loss,  for 
the  greater  part  of  the  valuables  he  had  stolen  from 
others  was  about  to  be  the  spoil  of  more  fortunate  rob- 
bers, Messrs.  Fellows  and  Fletcher. 

Having  taken  all  they  desired  from  the  hoardings  of 
the  little  man,  they  selected  two  fine  horses  from  his 
stables,  and  saying  to  him,  that,  if  their  time  were  not 
so  limited,  they  would  give  him  a  lesson  in  the  science 
of  robbery,  sprang  into  the  saddles,  and  making  him  a 
grand  salaam^  galloped  off  towards  Winchester. 

"This  is  a  noble  animal,  Fletcher,"  said  Fellows. 
"  By  Jove,  I  can  only  with  the  greatest  difiiculty  hold 
him." 

"  And  so  is  mine ;  how  he  carries  his  head  !  He  re- 
minds me  of  that  pacer  I  lost  when  pursued  at  the  West 
End." 

"  They  are  just  what  we  require  now,"  said  Fellows. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  37 

«  But  the  idea  of  that  blunderer  being  a  robber !  Ha ! 
ha !  lie's  the  hist  man  I  would  have  taken  for  such. 
And  what  a  joke  !  Kobber  rob  robber !  I  declare  it's 
capital ! " 

They  traveled  on  until  sunset,  when  coming  up  with 
a  piece  of  woods,  they  sought  its  thickest  seclusions, 
secured  their  horses  to  a  tree,  and  laid  down  to  re- 
pose. 

The  wood  was  not  extensive,  but  as  the  trees  were 
close  together,  and  many  of  them  of  small  size,  it  made 
a  good  place  of  concealment. 

They,  however,  had  no  intention  of  committing  any 
more  robberies  in  that  vicinity,  as  they  had  already  ob- 
tained many  valuables,  and  wished  to  travel  to  the  sea 
coast  to  join  their  vessel  —  which  had  been  cruising 
among  the  Scilly  Islands  —  to  deposit  their  ill-gotten 
gains  as  soon  as  possible. 


38  LIEUTENANT  COLEORX, 


CHAPTEE    y. 

THE    ARREST    AND    SENTENCE. 

Ere  the  sun  had  been  four  hours  past  the  meridian, 
the  highwapnen  were  again  in  their  saddles,  having 
been  refreshed  by  a  long  sleep  and  a  hearty  luncheon. 
Their  horses  had  been  allowed  at  the  same  time  to  graze 
at  the  edge  of  the  woods,  and  had  drank  from  a  spring 
of  pure  cold  water. 

"  This  would  be  a  splendid  place  in  which  to  pay  our 
respects  to  some  rich  old  cove,  eh !  Fellows,"  said 
Eletcher. 

"  It  would,  indeed  !"  ejaculated  Fellows,  "  but  the  fact 
is,  I  don't  wish  another  encounter  just  now,  but  would 
rather  leave  these  parts  as  soon  as  possible,  for  travel- 
ers are  on  their  guard,  and  besides,  a  police  force  no 
doubt  will  be  sent  to  scour  the  region  in  quest  of  us." 

As  they  rode  along,  the  full  beams  of  the  rising  moon 
fell  upon  the  adjoining  pastures,  rocks,  hills,  trees,  and 
valleys,  while  thousands  of  crickets  sang  in  solemn  tones, 
reminding  the  riders  of  the  days  of  their  boyhood,  when, 
good  and  innocent,  they  strayed  through  the  garden  of 
their  pleasant  homestead  before  bed-hour,  or  pla^'ed  in 
the  streets  of  their  native  village. 

g  "While  walking  their  horses,  and  indulging  in  convers- 
ation of  days  gone  by,  the  sound  of  distant  hoofs  broke 
upon  their  experienced  ears.  Fletcher  listened  a  mo- 
ment, then  alighted  and  placed  his  ear  to  the  ground. 

"  Only  one.  Fellows,"  said  he;  "  what  say  you,  shall 
we  stop  him?" 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  39 

"  Well,  it's  mighty  tempting ;  'spose  we  do  !" 

So  saying,  they  placed  themselves  in  an  adjacent 
thicket,  where  they  could  easily  spring  upon  the  ap- 
proaching horseman,  and  examining  their  weapons, 
waited  in  silence. 

The  sound  of  a  trotting  horse  became  more  and  more 
distinct,  until  in  the  moon's  full  rays  the  form  of  a  sin- 
gle equestrian  came  into  light. 

"  Mind,  now,"  whispered  Fellows,  "  that  you  don't 
leap  or  fire  till  I  tell  you." 

"  All  right,"  was  the  laconic  reply. 

The  traveler  came  on  all  unconscious  of  danger,  when, 
as  he  reached  a  point  where  the  thicket  was  nearly 
abreast  of  him,  they  dashed  like  hghtning  upon  him, 
and  before  he  had  time  to  collect  his  senses,  one  of  them 
grasped  the  bridle  of  his  horse  with  his  left  hand,  and 
with  his  right  pointed  his  murderous  pistol  to  his  breast, 
while  the  other  thrust  his  weapon  into  his  face. 

It  was  done  so  quickly,  and  so  quietly,  that  the 
stranger  had  not  time  to  collect  his  scattered  senses, 
and  feeling  the  cold  muzzles  of  their  pistols,  and  hear- 
ing the  stern  demand  of  Fellows,  "  Your  money  or  your 
life  !"  he  stammered,  "  'Tis  yours,  but  spare  my  hfe." 

"  Your  weapons  first,"  cried  Fellows.  And  taking 
from  him  his  pistols,  he  bade  him  dismount. 

As  he  handed  over  his  money,  and  was  about  passing 
out  some  other  articles  of  less  value,  Fellows,  recogniz- 
ing in  him  old  "Winslow,  said,  "  Keep  those,  old  man,  for 
old  acquaintance  sake." 

"Then  you  have  met  me  before?"  he  exclaimed. 
"  Where  ?     I  would  like  to  know." 

"  On  the  road  to  Windsor !"  was  the  laconic  reply. 

"  Eobbed  again,  by  the  Apostle  ! "  muttered  the  old 
man,  "  and  by  the  same  villains,  too  ! "  and  carried  away 


40  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

with  passion,  he  suddenly  seized  Eletcher  by  the  throat, 
and  exclaimed,  "  now  I'll  have  my  revenge." 

Fletcher  extricated  himself  with  some  difficulty,  and 
laughing  heartily,  said,  "  You  would  not  harm  me,  would 
you  ?"  and  turning  to  Fellows,  said,  "  Our  old  friend  is 
getting  dangerous." 

The  old  man,  finding  how  completely  he  was  in  their 
power,  became  more  calm,  and  silently  waited  their  de- 
termination. 

Fellows  discharged  the  pistols  he  had  taken  from 
him  into  the  air,  and  handed  them  back ;  and  himself 
and  companion  mounting  their  horses,  galloped  away, 
leaving  him  to  proceed  on  his  way. 

It  was  late  when  they  entered  the  ancient  town  of 
Winchester. 

"  We  must  put  up  here,"  said  Fellows  to  his  com- 
panion, "  for  ourselves  and  horses  are  in  need  of  rest 
and  nourishment."  So  they  pulled  up  at  the  Western 
tavern,  gave  up  their  reins  to  the  hostlers,  and  entered 
for  the  night. 

The  late  robberies  in  that  part  of  the  country,  com- 
mitted in  such  quick  succession,  had  become  known  far 
and  near,  notwithstanding  the  slow  mode  of  conveying 
intelhgence  in  those  days. 

The  police  were  instructed  to  use  their  greatest  exer- 
tions to  arrest  the  perpetrators,  and  the  people  generally 
were  exerting  themselves  for  the  same  purpose. 

No  sooner  had  the  travelers  entered  the  house,  than 
it  was  hinted  they  bore  the  appearance  of  being  sus- 
picious characters,  and  the  landlord  gave  notice  to  the 
pohce  to  that  effect,  and  shortly  after  the  chief  of  police 
and  six  of  his  men  entered  the  tavern. 

"Where  are  the  suspected  persons.^"  he  asked. 
"  And  what  reason  have  you  to  think  they  are  not  hon- 
est men?" 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  41 

"  Tlioy  have  retired  to  bed,"  answered  the  landlord. 
"  I  did  not  like  their  general  appearance,  and  /  think 
that  all  men  who  have  a  suspicious  look,  in  these  times, 
ought  to  be  examined,  at  least." 

''"But,"  said  a  bystander  to  the  landlord,  "do  you 
think  it  would  be  right  for  you  to  be  arrested  and 
thrown  into  prison,  if  you  were  traveling  through  a  part 
of  the  country  where  you  were  not  known,  merely  be- 
cause you  looked  like  a  cut-throat  ?" 

"  Do  you  mean  to  insult  me  ?  and  in  my  own  house, 
too?"  shouted  the  landlord,  angrily. 

"  I  mean  to  insult  no  man,"  answered  the  other,  "  but 
if  I  have  any  knowledge  of  human  faces,  yours,  sir,  is 
more  suspicious  than  those  of  the  two  travelers  above„ 
I'll  lay  a  wager  that  they  are  honest  men." 

"  The  law  is  rather  nice  upon  this  point,"  said  the 
chief  of  police,  "  which  renders  it  doubtful  if  I  can  ar- 
rest them  without  some  cause." 

"We  are  no  longer  safe,"  returned  the  landlord 
"  since  life  and  property  are  at  the  mercy  of  highway- 
men, and  the  people  encourage,  and  the  pohce  wink  at 
their  atrocities." 

"  I  do  not  suppose  that  I  am  to  ask  your  permission 
whether  to  arrest  a  person  or  not,"  said  the  chief  of  po- 
lice to  the  landlord,  coolly. 

"  You  can  do  as  you  please,  but  I  shall  write  to  the 
magistrate  upon  this  subject,"  was  the  reply. 

"  You  have  already   done   so,"  said  the  policeman, 
"for  you  have  written  to  me,  and  /  am  that  person-  . 
age." 

"  /think  if  any  should  be  arrested  here  it  ought  to 
be  the  landlord,  for  insulting  the  magistrate,"  said'^some 
one  in  the  crowd  in  a  low  voice. 

"  And  so  do  I,"  joined  another. 
8* 


42  LIEUTENA^x'T  COLBORN, 

"  Well  keep  a  good  watch  on  the  premises  through- 
out the  night,"  said  the  magistrate,  "  and  I'll  call  here 
in  the  morning  and  look  into  the  matter ;  but  surely  we 
cannot  in  justice  arrest  peaceable  travelers,  merely  be- 
cause they  are  strangers ;  we  must  have  some  slight 
semblance  of  proof  against  them,  before  we  can  arrest 
them."  And,  having  left  two  of  his  men,  more  to  keep 
the  landlord  quiet  than  to  watch  the  travelers,  he  de- 
parted. 

"  The  magistrate  is  perfectly  right,"  said  the  man  who 
had  disputed  with  the  landlord.  "  A  pretty  business  it 
would  be,  to  pounce  upon  a  man  because  he  happens  to 
have  a  stranger  face,  and  to  treat  him  like  a  felon." 

"  As  for  you,"  shouted  the  landlord  angrily,  "  leave 
my  house,  for  you  have  said  quite  enough." 

"  And  so  I  can,  you  thundering  old  grumbler  !  A 
fine  tavern  keeper,  to  turn  upon  his  lodgers  ! "  So  say- 
ing, the  speaker  departed. 

AYhen  the  breakfast  bell  rang  next  morning,  our 
travelers,  who  had  noticed  a  policeman  at  the  door  (for 
the  guilty  mind  always  observes  and  suspects  what  the 
innocent  pass  by  unnoticed),  feared  that  something 
might  be  wrong,  so  appeared  at  the  table  in  their  over- 
coats, to  conceal  their  arms. 

"  I  don't  like  that  fashion,"  whispered  the  landlord. 

"  Why  have  they  put  on  their  overcoats  to   breakfast 

in  ?     It's  not  cold !     I  wish  the  magistrate  were  here." 

The  repast  being  over,  and  the  strangers'  horses  in 

readiness,  they  demanded  their  bill. 

At  this  instant  the  magistrate  entered,  when  the  land- 
lord stated  that  the  two  men  had  sat  at  the  breakfast 
table,  notA^^thstanding  the  morning  was  so  warm,  in 
overcoats,  certainly  a  suspicious  circumstance,  and  he 
would  like  to  have  their  persons  searched  before  they 
left  his  house. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  43 

When  the  magistrate  moved  towards  them,  as  if  to 
carry  the  suggestion  into  effect,  they  rushed  out  of  doors, 
leaped  upon  their  horses,  and  were  off  before  the  aston- 
ished hostlers  could  be  told  to  detain  them ;  and  cross- 
ing over  to  the  main  street  they  turned,  and  were  soon 
on  the  country  road. 

They  galloped  on  for  nearly  two  miles,  when,  looking 
behind  them,  they  could  see  many  horsemen  in  pursuit, 
but  as  they  had  so  much  the  start  of  their  pursuers, 
they  hoped  to  make  good  their  escape.  But  in  a  short 
time  it  was  evident  that  the  pursuers  were  gaining  upon 
them,  and  it  became  doubtful  whether  they  w^ould  be 
able  to  escape,  and  they  urged  their  panting  steeds  as 
for  dear  life. 

Again  and  again  their  sharp  spurs  were  driven  into 
the  sides  of  their  wearied  horses,  but  it  seemed  useless, 
for  their  widened  nostrils,  their  loud  and  hasty  panting, 
and  their  bodies  drenched  in  sweat,  told  too  w^ell  that 
they  could  go  no  faster. 

"  If  we  can  but  reach  that  wood,"  cried  Fellows,  "  we 
might  escape ;"  and  urging,  spurring,  and  leaping  their 
nearly  falling  horses,  they  reached  its  edge,  and  having 
entered  a  thick  part,  dismounted,  climbed  a  large  tree, 
and  concealed  themselves  in  its  branches. 

On  galloped  their  pursuers,  and  as  more  than  a  dozen 
korsemen  passed  under  the  very  tree  in  which  they  were 
concealed,  Fletcher  whispered,  "  It's  narrow  work." 

"Yes,"  said  Fellows,  "I'd  rather  be  attacked  by 
ghosts ! " 

"  Here  is  a  horse ! "  cried  a  policeman,  "  and  I'm  sure 
the  rascals  can't  be  far  off." 

"  There  is  a  destiny  hanging  over  us  all,"  seriously 
observed  Fellows,  "and  the  chances  for  escape  are 
against  us," 


44  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

*'  "We  have  our  weapons  still,"  said  Fletcher  mean- 
ingly. 

"That's  true,"  returned  his  companion,  "but they  are 
of  no  use  to  us  in  this  instance,  for  the  more  resistance 
we  should  make  the  more  sure  would  be  our  destruc- 
tion." 

"  Then  do  you  intend  to  surrender,  if  they  discover 
us?" 

"I  (Jo  —  there  is  no  other  alternative.  What  could 
we  do  with  scores  of  men  against  us  ?  So  look  you  for 
some  place  where  we  may  conceal  our  valuables  ! " 

Fortunately  there  was  a  hollow  in  the  tree,  and  they 
placed  therein  all  the  jewels,  rings,  money,  and  papers, 
as  well  as  their  pistols  and  ammunition,  fearing  if  weap- 
ons were  found  upon  their  persons  they  might  betray 
their  real  character,  —  all  of  which  dropped  many  feet 
down  into  the  trunk  of  the  tree. 

"  Now,  then,  Fletcher,"  said  Fellows,  "  mark  this  tree, 
that  we  may  know  it,  for  in  its  trunk  are  many  thou- 
sands, and  should  we  be  so  fortunate  as  to  effect  our 
escape  —  which  is  more  than  doubtful  —  we  can  return 
and  recover  the  treasure." 

The  search  being  kept  up  by  their  pursuers  for  some 
time  without  success,  they  began  to  ascend  the  trees, 
and  examine  them. 

"  Fellows  !  we'll  be  taken,"  said  Fletcher  sorrowfully. 

"  Yes,  we  are  lost !  Destiny  is  against  us,  but  keep 
your  countenance,  and  don't  turn  pale  ! " 

The  nfext  instant  a  low  cry,  "Here  they  are  !"  told 
that  they  were  discovered ;  but  these  experienced  men 
were  cool  and  calm,  and  when  Fellows  looked  at  his 
companion,  his  countenance  had  not  changed. 

They  descended  to  the  ground,  where  many  had  as- 
sembled, among  whom  were  several  policemen,  when 
Fellows  demanded  whom  they  sought. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  45 

"You,  as  robbers!"  replied  a  policeman,  "and  we 
arrest  you  in  the  name  of  the  King." 

On  searching  their  persons,  it  is  hardly  necessary  to 
say,  nothing  could  be  found  to  prove  that  they  were 
other  than  they  claimed  to  be,  good  citizens.  The  tree 
was  also  searched,  but  nothing  could  be  found. 

"  "Why  did  you  fly  from  the  inn,  like  guilty  men?" 
asked  a  policeman. 

"  Because  you  were  about  to  arrest  us,"  firmly  an- 
swered Fellows,  "  which  you  .had  no  right  to  do,  and 
our  only  chance  was  to  fly,  since  you  seemed  determin- 
ed to  find  us  guilty  of  some  offense,  whether  or  no  ! 
■\Ye  were  ready  to  pay  our  bills,  and  treated  you  all  at 
the  tavern  with  politeness.  Then  why  have  you  treated 
us  like  felons  ?" 

These  remarks,  delivered  by  a  gentleman  of  such  pre- 
possessing exterior,  who  had  taken  his  hat  off,  thereby 
disclosing  his  noble  and  intelligent  looking  brow,  shook 
the  opinion  and  belief  of  nearly  every  man  present. 
"And  furthermore,"  said  he,  "beware  that  you  do  not 
overstep  the  laws,  and  lay  yourselves  liable  for  heavy 
.  damages,  by  arresting  innocent  men." 

This  staggered  their  opinion  still  more,  and  there 
arose  a  dispute  among  their  captors  upon  the  matter  at 
once ;  but  the  policemen  said  they  would  take  them  be- 
fore the  ma'nstrate  anyhow,  and  they  set  off  with  them 
for  the  town. 

Having  reached  the  outskirts,  great  numbers  of  the 
citizens  came  out  and  joined  the  party,  and  even  women 
gathered  around,  to  get  a  sight  of  them. 

At  first,  the  magistrate  was  convinced  of  their  inno- 
cence, and  was  about  to  liberate  them,  when  in  rushed 
our  old  friend  Winslow,  shouting  "  Hold ! "  and  declar- 
ing he  had  been  robbed  lately,  wished  to  see  the  prison- 


46  LIEUTENANT  COLBORX, 

ers.  Immediately  recognizing  them,  he  cried,  "  Your 
honor !  these  men  are  robbers !  they  have  robbed  me 
twice  !  and  there  are  others  in  this  county  that  have  also 
been  robbed  by  them." 

Upon  hearing  this,  his  honor  committed  them  to  pris- 
on to  await  their  trial,  and,  as  the  police  led  them  out 
to  convey  them  to  a  dark,  damp  cell,  the  old  man  said 
to  Fletcher,  "  Oh,  you  wretch !  you  vagabond !  I'll 
appear  against  you  !  Yes,  I'll  swear  away  your  life, 
for  it's  now  my  turn!  Do  yoil  remember  the  mud- 
puddle  ?  " 

The  day  appointed  for  the  trial  arrived,  and  the  court 
room  was  crowded  to  excess.  Hundreds  rushed  to  get 
a  sight  of  the  two  who  had  committed  so  many  daring 
robberies ;  for  all  acts  of  the  kind  that  had  been  heard 
of  far  and  near,  were  laid  to  their  charge  by  the  look- 
ers-on. 

Fellows  gazed  around  the  court  with  a  careless  air, 
and  saw  many  he  had  seen  before,  and  several  —  be- 
sides the  old  man  —  whom  he  had  robbed.  He  showed 
no  signs  of  guilt,  however,  and  none,  from  his  appear- 
ance, would  have  thought  him  guilty  of  the  charges 
brought  against  him.  Fletcher,  less  assured,  cast  his 
eyes  to  the  floor,  yet  showed  no  signs  of  fear,  and 
seemed  to  win  a  feeling  of  S3"mpathy  from  the  audience. 

The  trial  proceeded,  and  the  evidence  being  so  clear- 
ly against  them  —  there  being  several  present  who  bore 
witness  to  having  seen  them  commit  robbery  and  mur- 
der—  as  might  be  expected,  they  were  brought  in 
guilty. 

A  death-like  stillness  reigned  throughout  the  court, 
when  the  judge  rose  and  in  a  solemn  manner  said : 
"  The  prisoners  at  the  bar,  after  a  fair  and  impartial 
trial,  have  been  found  guilty  of  highway  robbery  and 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  47 

murder,  thereby  violating  the  just  hiws  of  God  and 
man." 

Then  turning  to  the  prisoners,  he  asked  if  they  knew 
of  any  reason  why  a  sentence  agreeable  to  the  laws  of 
their  country  should  not  be  passed  upon  them.  No  an- 
swer being  returned,  he  continued  : 

"  The  sentence  of  the  court  is,  that  you  both  be  taken 
from  hence  to  prison,  and  there  be  securely  confined 
until  the  first  day  of  September  next,  when  you  are  to 
be  led  from  thence  to  the  place  of  execution,  and  there, 
between  the  hours  of  9  and  12  A.  M.,  be  hanged  by  the 
neck  until  you  are  dead.  And  may  God  have  mercy 
on  your  souls." 

At  the  close  of  the  fatal  sentence,  the  eyes  of  Fel- 
lows fell  to  the  floor,  and  he  gave  a  deep-drawn  sigh ; 
but  not  a  muscle  was  seen  to  move,  nor  the  color  to 
leave  his  face. 

Fletcher's  fine  features,  on  the  contrary,  were  observ- 
ed to  change ;  his  lips  became  closely  pressed  together, 
and  as  the  sentence  escaped  the  judge's  lips,  the  muscles 
of  his  mouth  violently  moved,  showing  that  some  dread- 
ful thoughts  were  passing  through  his  mind. 

They  were  then  led  back  to  prison,  and  the  people 
soon  dispersed,  seeming  fully  satisfied  with  the  sentence. 


48  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


CHAPTEE  VI. 

THE  BETROTHAL. 

In  the  little  parlor  in  Plymouth,  which  I  have  before 
described,  might  be  seen  rechning  upon  the  sofa,  our 
beautiful  heroine.  She  was  dressed  in  a  plain  white 
cambric,  with  short  sleeves  and  low  neck,  and  wore  a 
simple  necklace  of  coral.  Her  bright  blue  eyes  showed 
a  more  than  ordinary  degree  of  happiness,  while  almost 
unconsciously,  a  smile  played  around  her  sweet  mouth. 
Her  h[iir  was  carried  up  from  her  marble-hke  forehead 
and  fell  in  heavy  curls  back  over  her  shoulders,  lending 
an  intehcctual  and  proud  grace  to  her  beautifully  shaped 
head.  She  held  carelessl}^  in  her  hand  a  fan,  which 
ever  and  anon,  she  twu'led  over  and  between  her  taper- 
ino-  fingers,  upon  one  of  which  was  seen  a  plain  garnet 
ring,  —  a  cherished  relic  of  her  dear  departed  mother. 
But  she  was  not  alone.  In  an  arm-chair  at  the  window, 
sat  AYilliam  Colborn,  in  the  undress  uniform  of  a  naval 
lieutenant.  His  every  look  showed  that  within,  honor, 
virtue,  good  humor,  and  a  good  heart  ruled  pre-emi- 
nentl3^  His  hair  brushed  back  from  his  noble  forehead 
displayed  an  intelligent  look,  while  his  eyes,  as  he  gazed 
upon  the  lovely  girl  before  him,  expressed  a  degree  of 
happiness,  such  as  does  not  often  fall  to  the  lot  of  man. 
It  was  on  a  lovely  Sabbath  afternoon  in  July.  The  sun 
was  shining  in  all  his  splendor.  The  church  bells  were 
summoning  the  people  to  worship.  The  colors  of  the 
shipping  were  waving  and  curling  in  the  breeze,  while 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  49 

a  perfect  stillness  pervaded  the  town,  as  the  well-dress- 
ed citizens,  on  their  way  to  church,  walked  the  streets 
in  silence. 

''  I  hope  I  am  not  keeping  Miss  Pederson  from 
church?"  remarked  William  inquiringly. 

"  Oh  !  no,  sir,  I  attended  church  this  morning,  and 
that  will  suffice  for  to-day." 

"  I  am  sorry  to  say,"  said  he,  "  that  I  do  not  always 
improve  the  few  opportunities  I  have  of  going  to  church 
which  occur  only  when  I  am  in  port." 

"  Indeed !"  said  Kate  thoughtfully,  "  how  long  shall 
you  stay  in  port  this  time  ?" 

"  About  a  month,  I  am  happy  to  say,  as  we  are  fit- 
tin  2r  for  a  Ion  Of  cruise." 

The  conversation  continued,  and  as  might  have  been 
expected,  appeared  quite  formal,  as  they  had  never  met 
to  speak  but  once  before,  and  although  she  had  been 
often  in  the  presence  of  gentlemen,  and  in  such  cases 
felt  quite  at  ease,  yet  now  in  William's  -company,  and 
alone,  she  seemed  another  person  altogether.  She  could 
not  appear  like  herself,  but  confusedly  sat  pondering 
her  sentences.  She  knew  not  why  his  prese)ice  should 
cause  a  feeling  in  her  breast  that  before  she  had  been 
a  stranger  to  ;  or  should  cause  her  heart  to  beat  as  if 
ready  to  burst  its  prison  walls,  and  the  rich  blood  to 
mount  into  her  cheeks  in  crimson  flushes,  coming  and 
going,  like  the  hues  in  an  opal.  In  brief,  she  knew  not 
that  it  was  love. 

Oh !  love !  mysterious  passion  !  enslaver  of  humanity ! 
what  art  thou  ?  In  ancient  times,  even  back  to  the  crea- 
tion, when  Eve  our  first  mother  was  given  to  Adam, 
thou  hadst  existence,  and  hast  followed  her  great  fam- 
ily even  until  now  !  Earth's  mightiest  men  have  felt 
thy  power.     Alexander,  Cisesar,  and  even  great  Napo- 


50  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

leon  did  succumb  to  thee !  yes !  the  man  of  iron  will 
knelt  twice  with  lowly  mien  at  thy  shrine  !  Helen,  a 
mighty  princess,  for  Paris,  left  her  country ;  and  Antony 
sold  a  world  for  Cleopatra's  love.  Sovereigns,  states- 
men, and  men  of  mighty  talent  have  known  the  power- 
ful influence.  The  Christian  in  holiness ;  the  sinner  in 
wickedness  ;  the  heathen  in  blindness  ;  the  poor  in  des- 
titution, —  all  have  loved,  and  do  still  love  !  Thou  hast 
done  much  harm,  but  certainly  more  good ;  hast  caused 
much  misery,  yet  more  happiness ;  but  whence  thy  ori- 
gin, or  why  thou  art,  I  cannot  explain,  —  any  more  than 
could  the  lovely  Kate  Pederson!  William  Colborn 
was  not  a  man  calculated  to  keep  the  most  ordinary 
person  at  a  distance,  by  reserved  manners ;  much  less 
a  beautiful  girl,  who  already  had  won  his  heart !  He 
had  a  frauk  and  open  disposition,  and  being  naturally 
free  from  that  detestable,  and  generally  sure  sign  of 
mental  weakness,  —  family  pride,  —  was  quite  approach- 
able, and  always  talked  as  he  meant,  and  consequently, 
Kate  soon  became  more  at  ease,  and,  more  like  her 
graceful  self,  in  his  society. 

"  Miss  Pederson,"  said  he,  "  in  visiting  you  this  second 
time,  I  have  obeyed  the  dictates  of  my  heart;  and  beg 
a  thousand  pardons,  if  it  has  proved  an  intrusion." 

"  An  intrusion  !  Oh  no  !"  answered  Kate,  and  blush- 
ing crimson,  she  cast  her  eyes  to  the  floor,  as  she  went 
OE^to  say,  "  I  am  always  happy  to  see  those  who  favor 
me  with  their  friendship," 

He  gazed  at  her  for  a  few  moments  in  silence,  hoping 
if  possible  to  read  in  her  eyes,  that  which  might  encour- 
age him  to  address  her  more  fully ;  but  nothing  could 
he  discover,  for  her  eyes,  riveted  to  the  floor,  were  hid- 
den by  their  dark  lashes  ;  and  her  earnest  countenance 
had  suddenly  assumed  a  sedate  air.     He,  however,  ven- 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  61 

tiired  to  draw  his  chair  nearer  to  her,  and  taking  her 
hand  in  his,  asked  with  much  feehng,  if  he  could  not 
hope  that  the  time  would  come,  when  she  would  regard 
him  with  other  and  dearer  feelings  than  those  of  friend- 
ship. 

Kate  cast  upon  him  a  scrutinizing  look,  as  if  to  read 
liis  inmost  thoughts,  and,  as  nothing  could  be  seen  in 
his  countenance  but  truth,  honor,  and  sincere  love,  she 
answered  m  a  frank  and  truthful  manner,  that,  as  their 
acquaintance  had  been  so  limited,  and  the  question  put 
suddenly,  it  hardly  became  her  to  reply  without  some 
thought,  —  and  besides  she  feared  there  were  weighty 
obstacles  in  the  way  of  closer  intimacy." 

"  Obstacles  !  what  obstacles  !"  said  he,  "  I  am  sure  I 
know  of  none.     What  are  they,  may  I  ask  ?" 

Kate  looked  upon  him  with  a  loving,  yet  modest 
glance,  and  answered  :  "  The  poor  daughter  of  an  inn- 
keeper, cannot  claim  to  rank  with  the  son  of  a  wealthy 
knight ;"  and  as  she  spoke  a  sigh  escaped  her. 

"  Is  that  the  only  obstacle  ?"  he  asked,  "  for  if  so  I 
can  easily  overcome  it." 

"  1  know  of  no  other,"  she  replied,  blushing  deeply 
and  covering  her  face  with  her  fan.  William  drawing 
nearer  gently  removed  it,  and  imprinted  a  kiss  upon  her 
rosy  cheek,  that  sent  the  magic  of  love  like  sparks  of 
electricity  to  her  heart. 

"William  remained  with  her  but  a  short  time  lonsrer, 
as  he  was  about  to  start  that  afternoon  for  Mount  Pros- 
pect, but  on  taking  leave  he  promised  to  return  soon. 
He  arrived  home,  and  was  joyfully  received  by  his  par- 
ents and  sister.  They  were  glad  to  do  all  in  their  pow- 
er to  make  him  happy ;  and  other  relations  and  friends 
endeavored  to  outvie  each  other  in  showing  him  kind 
attentions ;  for  they  knew  he  was  soon  again  to  leave 


52 

them  for  a  long  voyage  ;  and  many  months  would  ex- 
pire before  his  return,  during  which  he  would  be  ex- 
posed to  the  many  hardships  and  dangers  of  the  mighty 
deep.  And  besides,  they  had  in  view  another  object  of 
no  small  consequence,  which  was  to  make  a  match  be- 
tween him  and  some  fair  lady  endowed  with  sufficient 
rank  and  wealth  to  enhance  the  position  of  the  Colbom 
family. 

Xorth  had  recommended  Ida,  while  Melissa  had  an 
intimate  friend,  who  being  very  pretty  and  lovely,  she 
w^as  sure  would  carry  his  heart  by  storm.  But  "William 
passed  by  their  chosen  favorites  with  a  carelessness  and 
indifierence  that  surjDrised  them.  He  danced  with  them 
and  waited  on  them,  it  is  true,  and  passed  among  throngs 
of  beautiful  ladies  of  rank,  acknowledging  their  charms, 
yet  in  his  opinion,  there  were  none  so  lovely  and  charm- 
ing as  the  gentle  Kate.  Melissa  declared  that  he  had  a 
heart  of  stone,  not  to  make  a  choice  when  he  had  such 
a  selection  of  young  ladies  who  were  all  in  love  with  him. 

The  following  letter,  written  at  an  odd  hour  during 
these  gay  festi\ities,  will  perhaps  afiford  a  solution  to 
the  cause  of  this  indifference  : 

London,  July  11,  17 — 

Dear  Kate  : — I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  address  you 
by  this  endearing  appellation,  and  hope  it  will  be  ac- 
cepted, as  a  token  of  my  esteem,  friendship,  and  love. 
It  is  true,  our  acquaintance  has  but  just  commenced, 
but  I  hope  it  may  be  prolonged  for  life.  I  have  now 
been  home  several  days,  and  my  friends  seem  to  vie 
with  each  other  in  making  fetes  and  parties  for  my 
pleasure.  But  among  all  this  gay  life,  among  all  the 
fine  ladies  into  whose  company  I  am  thrown,  there  are 
none  so  pleasing  to  me,  may  I  say  it — as  one  who  is  far 
away  in  Plymouth.     But  to  be  more  expHcit.     The 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  53 

feeble  attempts  of  my  pen  will  hardly  portray  the  fond 
love  you  have  inspired  in  my  breast.  My  highest  hope 
is  to  have  this  love  reciprocated  ;  my  highest  happiness 
would  be  to  be  able  truly  to  call  you  my  own.  But 
I  am  constantly  haunted  by  anxiety.  Perhaps  some 
other  more  fortunate  person  has  won  your  young  heart's 
affections,  some  other  whom  you  doat  upon !  Heaven 
grant  that  such  is  not  the  case ;  that  I  am  not  to  be 
made  miserable  by  the  receipt  of  such  intelligence.  But 
I  will  drive  such  crudl  thoughts  from  my  brain. 

I  visited  the  Museum  yesterday,  and  as  I  wandered 
alone  through  those  vast  halls,  looking  now  upon  one 
specimen  of  man's  wonderful  genius,  and  now  upon 
another,  my  mind  wandered  away  to  Plymouth,  and  I 
wished  you  could  have  occupied  a  place  by  my  side. 
I  attended  a  ball  in  the  evening,  but  amidst  all  that  was 
gay  and  lovely,  I  was  not  happy.  I  was  carried  in  imag- 
ination where  I  hope  to  be  soon  in  reality — and  to  hear 
from  your  lips  my  fate.  Till  then,  believe  me 
Sincerely  yours, 

"William  Colborn. 
Kate  was  seated  in  the  bar  room,  when  the  post-man 
entered  and  presented  her  this  letter.  As  she  looked  at 
the  superscription,  and  the  stamp,  which  told  plainly 
who  had  sent  it,  she  turned  ashy  pale,  and  unmindful  of 
the  banter  of  an  acquaintance  present,  excused  herself 
and  sought  her  room.  Here,  for  a  while,  she  sat  musing. 
"  I  suspected  before,"  she  murmured  to  herself,  "  that 
he,  being  of  so  high  a  family,  could  not  be  sincere  and 
honorable,  and  now  I  am  almost  sure  of  it.  But  at  all 
events,  I'll  read  the  letter,  and  if  it  is  not  wholly  respect- 
ful, will  return  it  to  him."  Thus  musing,  she  broke  the 
seal,  and  with  a  scornful  look,  began  to  read.  But  be- 
fore half  its  contents  had  been  perused,  her  eyes  lost 


54  LIEUTENANT  COLBOEN, 

entirely  the  look  of  doubt  and  displeasure,  and  as  she 
finished,  her  face  became  sufi'used  with  pleasant  smiles, 
and  pressing  the  letter  to  her  lips,  she  exclaimed  "  Never 
will  I  doubt  him  more." 

Having  re-read  those,  now  to  her,  precious  lines,  she 
placed  them  in  her  bosom,  and  descended  to  the  bar 
room  with  far  different  and  happier  feelings  than  when 
she  left  it. 

Meanwhile  William  being  anxious  to  return  to  Ply- 
mouth, took  an  affectionate  leave  of  all  at  Mount  Pros- 
pect, and  started  on  his  journey.  It  was  evening  when 
he  arrived,  and  with  a  hght  heart  he  hurried  to  the  inn. 
Kate  received  him  w^ith  modest  kindness,  and  accompa- 
nied him  to  the  parlor,  where  he  took  a  seat  by  her  side. 
He  declared  that  he  was  truly  happy  in  being  with  her 
again.  She  acknowledged  the  compliment  with  a  slight 
bow,  and  smilingly  remarked  that  she  also  rejoiced  that 
he  had  returned  safely. 

"  And  are  you  really  pleased  at  my  return  ?"  said  he, 
hoping  to  draw  from  her  an  acknowledgment  of  love  in 
return. 

"  I  am,"  she  modestly  replied. 

"  Did  you  receive  my  letter  .?" 

"  I  did,  and  have  to  thank  you  for  your  kindness." 

"  How  did  you  like  its  contents  ?" 

She  hesitated  a  moment,  anxious  to  find  an  answer 
that  would  not  appear' too  bold,  then  said  "  I  like  the 
contents  well,  provided  the  meaning  they  express  is  sin- 
cere and  honest." 

"  Do  you  doubt  my  sincerity  and  honesty,  then  ?"  said 
he  seriously. 

She  cast  her  piercing  eyes  upon  him,  as  if  determined 
to  read  his  most  secret  thoughts,  and  having  detected 
nothing  upon  his  noble  features  but  the  frank,  open,  and 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  55 

well  meaning  looks  of  an  honest  man,  replied  that  she 
did  not. 

William  gazed  in  deep  thought  for  a  few  moments 
upon  her  lovely  face,  then  he  took  her  trembling  hand 
within  his  own,  and  said  in  a  low  voice,  but  with  much 
feeling,  "  Kate,  I  love  you — devotedly  love  you.  Will 
you  be  mine  ?" 

Her  head  drooped  upon  his  shoulder,  and  she  trem- 
bled violently,  as  she  uttered  the  wished  for  monosylla- 
ble. He  threw  his  arms  around  her  sylph-like  form, 
stamped  a  long  and  hngering  kiss  upon  her  ruby  hps, 
that  sealed  for  hfe  that  sacred  compact. 

"  Now  indeed  am  I  happy,"  he  cried. 

"  But  have  you  weighed  the  obstacles  I  have  spoken 
to  you  about  ?"  asked  Kate. 

"  I  have,  but  know  not  why  my  happiness  should  be 
sacrificed  to  gratify  the  fooKsh  pride  of  my  family." 

"  Do  your  parents  know  of  your  partiality  for  me  ?" 

"  They  do  not,  but  shall  in  due  time." 

"  And  do  you  not  think  they  will  oppose  your  choice .?" 

"  I  am  sure  they  will,  and  have  made  up  my  mind 
accordingly." 

"  I  should  be  very  unwilling  to  be  the  cause  of  unhap- 
piness  to  your  parents,"  she  said. 

"  I  know  not  how  the  fault  can  attach  to  you,  dear 
Kate ;"  was  his  reply,  "  the  fault,  if  any,  lies  with  me. 
And  even  if  you  were  at  fault,  would  you  wish  to  make 
me  wretched  in  order  to  make  my  parents  happy  ?" 

"  I  do  not  wish  to  make  you  wretched,"  she  replied, 
"  nor  make  your  parents  miserable,  either." 

"  I  hope  dear  Kate  does  not  regret  her  promise." 

Kate  looked  into  his  face,  and  bursting  into  tears,  ex- 
claimed emphatically,  "  Never.  I  promised  my  hand 
where  I  truly  gave  my  heart,  and  no  circumstances 


56  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

shall  cause  me  to  retract.  Yet  I  am  well  aware  that 
your  parents  will  be  angry  when  they  learn  that  their 
son  has,  in  their  estimation,  thrown  himself  away." 
And  she  sobbed  aloud. 

This  was  too  much  for  William  to  witness  without  feel- 
ing deeply  affected,  and  raising  his  voice  to  a  higher 
pitch,  he  exclaimed  "  Dearest  Kate,  why  I  should  love 
so  noble  a  girl  as  yourself,  is  certainly  not  strange ;  for 
you  to  return  my  love  is  natural,  and  as  I  believe  a  man 
to  be  a  better  judge  himself,  of  what  constitutes  his  own 
happiness,  than  others  are,  I  swear  before  high  Heaven 
to  remain  true  to  my  choice,  true  to  her  I  love — although 
I  may  receive  the  curses  of  my  family,  and  finally  be  dis- 
inherited." 

As  Kate  heard  him  take  this  solemn  oath,  she  shud- 
dered to  think  of  the  many  troubles  he  was  hkely  to 
endure  for  her,  and  she  essayed  to  speak  her  gratitude, 
but  her  feelings  checked  her  utterance. 

William,  completeh'  overcome  to  seethe  one  he  loved 
so  wretched,  tried  to  cheer  her  by  picturing  a  bright 
future,  where  they  would  be  all  to  each  other  that  loving 
hearts  could  wish. 

After  spending  a  few  happy  hours,  such  as  are  known 
only  to  one  whose  first  and  ardent  love  has  been  re- 
turned, he  folded  her  to  his  fond  and  beating  heart,  bade 
her  an  affectionate  good  night,  and  hastened  to  seek  that 
repose  of  which  he  stood  so  much  in  need,  after  the 
long  and  tedious  journey  of  the  day. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  57 


CHAPTEE    VII. 

THE  mutineer's  BRIDE. 

The  thread  of  our  veritable  history  now  takes  us  to 
the  for-ofF  islands  of  the  Pacific. 

The  mutiny  of  the  Bounty,  that  took  place,  April 
28th,  1789,  has  been  fully  described  by  historians.  One. 
whose  fortunes  are  to  be  commented  on,  was  a  partici- 
pator in  that  bold,  piratical  act. 

Christian,  Haywood,  Stewart,  Young,  Baskett,  and 
others,  having  taken  the  Bounty  from  Captain  Bligh, 
arrived  with  her  at  Otaheite.  Hundreds  of  well-known 
faces  crowded  to  the  shore,  to  welcome  them  back, 
among  whom  were  anxious  wives  and  sweethearts; 
and  all  rejoiced  that  the  white  man  had  come  again. ' 
One  of  these  white  men,  who  was  simply  known  as  Har- 
ry, hurried  through  the  crowd  of  rejoicing  Kanakas, 
until  lost  in  the  foliage  of  banana  and .  plantain  trees. 
He  soon  reached  a  hut,  and  rushing  through  it^door- 
way,  was  clasped  in  the  arms  of  his  loving  wife,  "Wife  ! 
yes,  wife,  —  not,  however,  by  the  laws,  forms,  and  cus- 
toms of  civilized  society,  where  marriage  is  too  often 
a  matter  of  business  and  speculation ;  where  the  young 
are  often  mercilessly  sacrificed,  to  gratify^  family  pride, 
or  the  love  of  rank  and  wealth;  the  curse  of  humanity, 
which  often  forces  away  hands  unaccompanied  bj^hearts; 
thereby  blighting  many  bright  expectations,  and  caus- 
ing often  an  after  life  of  unhappiness  ;  but  by  that  great 
law  of  nature,  which  at  that  time  obtained  amoug  the 
4 


58  LIEI'TEXANT  COLBORN, 

simple  islanders,  —  disinterested  and  unbiased  desire  of 
human  hearts.  No  clergyman,  ^Yith  grave  formahties, 
had  joined  their  hands ;  their  sacred  word  of  honor, 
which  had  been  given,  was  sufficient  in  uncivilized  Ota- 
heite. 

It  is  singular,  but  nevertheless  too  true,  that  the  great- 
er the  extent  civilization  has  reached  among  any  people, 
the  greater  and  more  numerous  are  their  vices,  and  to 
find  a  people  comparatively  free  from  vice,  we  are  obhged 
to  look  among  the  uncivilized  nations. 

The  men  of  Otaheite  are  tall  and  well  shaped.  They 
bear  themselves  nobly  with  their  head  and  broad  should- 
ers thrown  back,  and  the  chest  expanded ;  and,  with 
the  exception  of  a  few  braided  and  matted  plantain 
leaves,  tied  closely  around  their  waists,  descending  to 
the  knees,  go  naked.  They  manage  their  canoes  with 
admirable  dexterity ;  are  expert  swimmers  ;  and  in  their 
■way,  great  warriors.  The  women  are  handsomely  formed, 
and  pleasing  in  appearance,  though,  like  most  of  the 
aboriginal  inhabitants  of  tropical  climes,  they  are  of  dark 
complexion,  or  what  is  ordinarily  termed  copper  color. 
Their  costume  consists  simply  of  plain  tappa,  fastened 
closely  around  their  bodies  just  below  the  arms. 

The  government  of  the  islanders  is  vested  in  a  king 
and  numerous  chiefs,  to  whom  they  are  in  a  state  of 
complete  submission.  This  appears  to  be  the  only  man- 
ner in  u'hich  uncivilized  nations  are  governed^  for  to 
the  ignorant  and  dependent,  the  titles  Jdiig  and  chiefs^ 
or  majesty  and  nobility^  have  an  all  potent  charm. 

The  youthful  Toono,  Harry's  wife,  was  but  a  child  in 
years,  having  seen  but  thirteen  summers ;  but  in  that 
sunny  clime  maturity  is  early  attained,  and  she  was  ful- 
ly developed  into  womanhood. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  59 

She  was  tall,  above  the  usual  height,  and  perfectly 
formed.  Her  eyes  were  black  as  night,  yet  mild  and 
loving,  and  she  bore  herself  as  if  she  were  a  princess  in 
the  land,  —  and  so  she  was.  Her  long  black  hair  fell 
in  great  profusion  to  her  waist;  and  a  thin,  pliable,  white 
tappa,  tightened  closely  around  her  shoulders,  fell  in 
numerous  fleecy  folds  to  her  small  feet,  covering  her 
person  sufficiently  to  abide  the  laws  of  modesty,  but 
indicating  her  perfect  shape.  No  life  consuming  cor- 
sets compressed  her  chest,  no  weighty  skirts  and  crino- 
lines caricatured  her  proportions,  but  all  woman,  and 
without  deception,  she  stood  proud  of  herself,  as  God 
had  made  her ! 

No  palace  reared  its  lofty  walls  for  her  reception,  but 
a  plain  round  hut  of  grass  sheltered  her  from  the  sun  ; 
mats  answered  for  seats  and  couches,  and  in  that  mild 
clime  she  required  no  covering.  She  was  the  daughter 
of  a  prince,  and  from  his  home  the  Englishman  had 
taken  her  for  his  wife. 

After  a  mutual  embrace,  leaning  on  his  arm,  Toono 
asked  about  the  mutiny ;  and,  as  he  related  the  affair, 
she  cast  upon  him  a  look  of  love,  and  declared  he  should 
never  go  from  her  again. 

"  I  have  no  wish  to  do  so,  my,  dear  Toono,  and  did 
not  wish  to  go  from  you  before,  as  you  well  know,  but 
w\as  forced  on  board  the  ship,  and  away  from  you." 

"  I  know^  you  were,"  she  said,  and  entwined  her  arms 
affectionately  round  him. 

He  cast  a  look  of  admiration  upon  her,  and  said,  "My 
dearest  Toono,  never  will  1  cease  to  love  you,  and  nev- 
er will  I  return  again  to  England." 

"  Let  us  go,  dear  Harry,"  said  she,  "  to  that  beauti- 
ful spot,  the  island  of  Eimeo,  where  the  wood  dove 
from  the  forest  is  never  tired  of  telling  his  tale  of  love ; 


60  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

let  US  stroll  through  the  sweet  orange  groves,  sit  upon 
the  rocks,  and  look  down  into  the  blue  waters  of  the 
ocean ;  let  us  plunge  into  its  foaming  surf,  and  swim 
Hke  fish  through  its  curling  billows  ;  then  dive  down  to 
the  clear  white  sand,  and  gather  beautiful  shells  upon 
the  bottom." 

She  led  him  through  a  narrow  path  to  the  sea  shore, 
and  stepping  into  her  canoe,  she  bade  him  do  the  same. 
On,  on  they  sped,  splashing  the  briny  waters  with  their 
paddles;  on,  on,  through  little  channels,  until  they 
reached  the  open  bosom  of  the  serene  Pacific,  that  wash- 
ed so  gently  the  shores  of  beautiful  Eimeo.  They  step- 
ped from  the  canoe,  and  rambling  up  the  hill,  seated 
themselves  upon  a  grassy  knoll,  and  gazed  out  upon 
the  far  blue  waters. 

The  rolhng  seas  swept  in  from  the  wide  ocean,  and 
broke  upon  the  beach  in  curling  breakers,  and  all  around 
was  grandeur  and  beauty.  For  several  hours  they  re- 
mained on  the  islet,  rambling  from  place  to  place,  and 
enjoying  its  pleasures  ;  and  in  the  evening  returned  to 
Otaheite,  and  their  home,  where,  having  partaken  of 
their  simple  repast,  free  from  the  cares  of  the  morrow, 
free  from  the  cares  of  money,  free  from  the  cares  of 
business,  free  from  all  cares  incidental  to  civilized  life, 
tlTey  sunk  to  sleep  in  each  other's  arms. 

Early  on  the  following  day  a  cry  of  "  Sail,  ho  !"  was 
heard,  and  soon  hundreds  were  gathered  upon  the 
shores  of  the  harbor  to  see  her. 

"A  Spanish  brig  !"  said  Stewart. 

"  I  think  not,"  earnestly  remarked  Christian,  "  for  she 
appears  very  like  an  English  vessel,  so  we  had  better 
conceal  ourselves." 

She  tacked  several  times,  and  neared  the  shore,  and 
proved  to  be  a  Spanish  vessel  that  had  called  for  sup- 
plies. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  61 

She  clewed  up  her  sails,  anchored,  lowered  her  boat, 
and  soon  her  commander  landed. 

Englishmen,  Spaniards,  and  Kanakas  soon  joined  in 
friendly  conversation,  glad  to  meet  each  other. 

The  islanders  invited  the  strangers  to  their  huts,  and 
.placed  before  them  their  choicest  food.  Thus  weeks 
were  spent,  but  at  length  having  recraited,  the  Spaniards 
prepared  to  go.  The  wind  blew  fair ;  the  crew  were 
on  board;  the  topsails  were  set;  the  anchor  apeak. 
But  where  is  Toono  ?  She  could  not  be  found !  A 
general  search  began ;  and  Harry  rushing  to  and  fro, 
implored  his  countrymen,  as  they  loved  their  wives,  to 
assistliim  in  finding  his.  "  I  fear,"  cried  he,  '•'  that  she 
is  on  board  the  brig!  she  has  been  stolen  by  those 
treacherous  Spaniards  !  Can  it  be  possible  that  men 
can  be  so  ungrateful  ?  but  there  is  no  time  for  parley  ; 
the  brig  is  under  wa}^ !    Oh,  she's  lost  to  me  forever  ! " 

"  Eescue  my  daughter !"  cried  the  prince,  her  father, 
and  the  next  instant,  the  war-cry  rang  through  the  for- 
ests !  Soon  a  hundred  canoes  launched  out  upon  the 
waters,  and  a  thousand  paddles  swung  by  sinewy  arms, 
urged  them  forward.  They  turned  the  point,  and  gained 
upon  the  receding  brig ;  but  the  wind  increased,  and 
the  vessel  crowded  on  sail,  —  and  the  heart  of  Harry 
sank  within  him,  for  he  saw  that  the  chase  was  useless. 
"  Spare  your  strength,  good  fri-ends,"  said  he,  "  your 
exertions  are  useless.  The  accursed  Spaniards,  who 
sat  at  my  board,  ate  my  fruits,  drank  my  wines,  and 
slept  under  my  roof,  have  stolen  away  my  dear  Toono ! 
and  then  he  sank  down  to  the  bottom  of  the  canoe,  and 
seemed  paralyzed  with  anguish. 

"  We  may  as  well  return,"  said  Torquil,  and  he 
thanked  his  stars  that  his  Neuna  had  not  been  stolen. 
Curses  and   threats  were  uttered  by  the  Enghshman 


62  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

against  the  brig,  her  crew,  and  all  the  Spanish  nation ; 
and  a  general  petition  went  up  from  the  Kanakas  to 
their  gods,  imploring  the  return  of  Toona,  and  the  de- 
struction of  the  brig  and  the  treacherous  Spaniards. 

"With  heavy  hearts  the  islanders  slowly  paddled  their 
canoes  back  towards  the  shore,  and  as  it  became  dis- 
tinctly visible,  and  they  saw  their  countrymen  upon  the 
beach,  they  felt  still  more  the  pain  of  returning  to  them 
without  the  fair  bride  of  Harry.  Approaching  the 
shore,  thus  sadly,  a  sound  of  many  voices  struck  upon 
their  ears.  What  could  it  mean  ?  They  leaped  upon 
the  beach,  and  ascended  the  hill ;  when  lo  !  could  it  be 
true  ?  Toono  in  all  her  loveliness  stood  before  them. , 
She  sprang  towards  Harry,  and  the  next  instant  they 
were  locked  in  each  other's  arms. 

"  Where  have  you  been  ?"  he  asked  in  astonishment, 
"  We  thought  you  had  been  stolen." 

"  I  hid  myself,  dear  Harry,  to  test  your  love  for  me  ; 
and  now  I  find  it  so  well  sustains  the  trial,  I  will  never 
again  try  the  experiment ;  but  live  only  for  love  and 
you."  And  as  the  congratulating  shouts  of  hundreds 
of  their  friends  rent  the  air^  the  lovers  returned  to  their 
cabin. 


OK.  THE  DISINnERITED.  63 


CIIAPTEE    VIII. 

THE    frigate's     DErARTURE. 

Kate  sat  like  a  statue  at  the  parlor  window,  gazing 
at  the  Eace  Horse  frigate  at  anchor  in  the  harbor. 
Her  elbow  rested  upon  the  window-sill,  her  chin  upon 
her  hand,  and  her  eyes  half  closed  told  plainly  that 
something  weighed  heavily  upon  her  mind.  She  was 
aroused  by  the  pressure  of  a  hand  upon  her  shoulder, 
and  looking  around,  Wilham  stood  besi'de  her.  No 
cheerful  smile  played  upon  his  usually  pleasant  features, 
all  there  was  sad  ;  he  had  called  to  say  farewell !  As 
Kate  looked  on  his  sad  countenance,  she  could  hardly 
restrain  her  tears.  "  Have  you  come  to  bid  me  adieu  ?" 
she  asked,  "  your  looks  betray  your  unwelcome  mis- 
sion." 

"  I  have,"  he  sadly  answered.  "  The  frigate  sails  at 
once,  and  I  must  go  immediately  on  board." 

"  Oh,  William  !"  she  cried  in  despair,  ''  it  would  have 
been  better  had  we  never  met ,  for  I  foresee  nothing  but 
trouble  in  store  for  us  !  You  will  be  gone  for  years; 
and  when  you  return,  there  will  be  bitter  opposition  to 
our  union  on  the  part  of  your  family." 

"  Does  my  dear  Kate  really  wish  we  had  never  met?" 
asked  he,  seriously. 

"I  do  not,"  she  answered,  "but  merely  say  that  I 
foresee  much  trouble." 

"  We  must  meet  it  boldly,"  said  he,  "  and  not  be 
fainthearted,  and  I  do  not  doubt  that  we  will  yet  be  hap- 


64  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

py.  May  I  ask  that  during  my  absence  you  will  still 
continue  to  believe  me  sincere  ?" 

"  Why  should  I  doubt  your  sincerity  ?" 

"  Because  I  think  your  father  does,  for  he  seldom 
speaks  to  me;  and  ^Yhen.I  enter  he  always  leaves  the 
room.     Is  it  not  so,  dear  Kate  ?" 

"  I  have  observed  it,"  she  reluctantly  answered,  "  but 
I  did  not  w^ish  to  bring  up  any  objection  in  that  quar- 
ter, as  there  are  certainly  others  so  much  more  weighty 
as  to  nearly  break  my  heart." 

"  "What  is  hi_s  objection  to  me  ?"  asked  William. 

"  He  seems  to  think  you  are  not  sincere ;  and  that 
your  family  will  never  consent  to  our  union." 

"  And  does  my  love  think  as  her  father  does  ?" 

"  I  do  not  as  concerns  your  sincerity,"  she  answered 
hastily,  "  but  most  certainly  I  do  coincide  with  him,  as 
to  what  will  be  the  sentiments  of  your  family." 

"  Am  I  to  understand  by  this,"  he  asked,  "  that  you 
regret  that  I  am  not  of  the  same  class  in  society  with 
yourself  ?" 

"  I  do,  most  sincerely,"  she  answered,  "  for  then  I 
should  be  happy." 

William,  elevating  himself  to  his  full  height,  and  plac- 
ing his  hand  upon  his  heart,  nobly  exclaimed,  "  Then, 
dear  Kate,  consider  m.e  so ;  consider  me  no  longer  the  son 
of  an  aristocrat,  for  I  can  assure  you  that  I  am  deter- 
mined that  no  family  pride  shall  interfere  with  my  mar- 
riage selection." 

"  And  nmst  you  go  .?"'she  asked,  clinging  to  him  and 
holding  him  back ;  but  he,  gazing  upon  her  intently,  as 
if  to  daguerreotype  her  expression  upon  his  mind,  clasp- 
ed her  to  his  heart,  pressed  his  lips  to  hers,  and  rushed 
from  the  apartment. 

The  Eace  Horse  was  ready  for  sea,  and  her  officers 


OR  THE  DISINIIEKITED.  65 

and  crew  on  board.  She  had  been  thoronghly  repaired, 
and  fitted  for  a  long  vo}' age.  Her  top-gahant  masts 
were  in  end,  and  yards  across,  and  all  things  being  on 
board  showed  she  was  to  sail  immediately.  She  was 
one  of  the  finest  frigates  in  the  English  navy;  and  as 
she  lay  with  her  long  yards  extending  far  beyond  her 
sides,  as  if  brooding  over  the  still  water,  she  appeared 
trnly  majestic. 

The  ponderous  capstan,  manned  above  and  below, 
wound  in  the  cable ;  the  sheets  of  the  expansive  sails 
were  hauled  home;  hasty  orders  given  through  the 
trumpet,  and  the  shrill  tones  of  the  boatswain's  whistle, 
told  that  the  ship  was  under  way ;  and  soon,  under  a 
cloud  of  canvas,  she  was  moving  gracefully  over  the 
surface  of  the  harbor. 

Lieutenant  Colborn  raised  a  glass  to  his  eye,  and 
fixing  it  on  a  window  of  the  inn,  gazed  steadfastly  at  the 
form  of  the  lovely  Kate,  as  she  sat  there  watching  the 
receding  ship  that  was  bearing  away  the  object  of  her 
young  heart's  first  and  dearest  affections,  and  a  sigh 
escaped  him  as  the  power  of  his  glass  magnified  her 
form  suflficiently  to  be  distinctly  recognized. 

Presently  he  dropped  the  glass,  and  turned  to  meet 
his  friend  George  North,  who  just  at  that  moment  ap- 
proached. 

"  What's  the  matter  ?  "  asked  North,  "  and  whom  do 
you  mourn  after  ?  " 

"  My  betrothed  wife,"  candidly  answered  Colborn, 
"  the  dearest  object  to  me  on  earth." 

North  was  thunderstruck ;  and  recollecting  what  had  - 
transpu-ed  between  them  at  the  inn,  and  having  no  doubt 
that  he  alluded  to  the  bar-maid,  exclaimed,     "  Is  it  pos- 
sible that  you  are  betrothed  to  a  lady  at  Plymouth  ?" 
4* 


66  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  Why  not  ?"  returned  William,  "  I  am  prond  to  say- 
that  I  am  engaged  to  a  lady  whom  I  love  dearly." 

"  May  I  make  so  bold  as  to  inquire  her  name  ?" 

"  Kate  Pederson  ! "  independently  answered  the  first 
lieutenant. 

The  midshipman  cast  upon  him  a  look  of  regret,  and 
in  deep  thought  he  walked  away. 

The  frigate -soon  began  to  rise  and  fall  with  the  heavy 
swell  of  the  sea,  as  she  had  passed  from  the  harbor. 
Ere  long  the  time  for  the  pilot  to  leave  arrived.  The 
royals  and  top-gallant  sails  were  quickly  clewed  up, 
main  yard  swung  aback,  head  sheets  lifted,  and  the  helm 
put  slightly  a  lee,  and  the  frigate  soon  nearly  lost  her 
headway.  The  pilot  descended  the  ladder,  stepped  in- 
to the  boat  carefully  —  bearing  a  note  that  contained 
within  its  precious  folds  a  lock  of  hair,  and  on  the  en- 
velope might  have  been  seen  the  superscription  of  Miss 
Katharine  Pederson.  He  left ;  the  head  sheets  were 
hauled  aft,  after  yards  pointed  to  the  wind,  mizzen 
brailed  up,  the  helm  put  up,  and  off  swung  the  bows  of 
the  frigate. 

In  a  few  minutes  all  her  square  sails  were  opened  to 
the  breeze;  then  the  studding-sails  were  set,  and  as 
these  far  extended,  bellying  wings  came  in  contact  with 
the  freshening  north-east  breeze,  the  good  ship  leaped 
away,  as  if  proud  to  be  free  upon  the  ocean  once  more  ; 
and  stooping  now  and  then  to  kiss  the  foaming  billows 
that  splashed  against  her  bows,  she  soon  left  the  shores 
of  old  England  so  far  behind  that  no  part  of  them  could 
longer  be  perceived. 

Night  came  on,  the  watches  were  set,   and  many  of 
the  four  hundred  men  on  board  cursed  the  fate  that ' 
separated  them  from  wives  and  sweethearts,  —  but  none 
more  heartily  than  did  the  second  in  command  of  that 
floating  world,  Lieutenant  Colborn. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  67 

What  is  more  noble-looking  than  a  ship  under  full 
sail  at  sea ;  her  hull  modeled  so  as  to  ensure  both  safety 
and  speed;  built  of  the  strongest  and  most  durable 
wood,  bolted  and  trunneled  through  and  through, 
beamed,  hooked,  stanchioned,  and  fastened  so  perfectly 
and  secure,  that  she  is  capable  of  withstanding  the  vio- 
lence of  the  heaviest  gales,  or  the  tremendous  force  of 
a  battery  !  —  her  spars,  towering  high  in  air,  support- 
ed securely  by  rigging,  and  crossed  by  yards  of  appro- 
priate size  and  length,  in  their  turn  supported  by  Ufts 
and  braces  —  while  internally,  her  immense  capacity, 
divided  and  commodiously  arranged  by  decks  and 
apartments,  serves  the  purpose  of  conveying  valuable 
cargoes,  if  a  merchantman  ;  or  stores,  water,  and  all  the 
munitions  of  war,  if  a  man-of-war  ! 


68  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


CHAPTEE    IX. 

THE    HUKKICANE. 

The  Eace  Horse  bounded  on  until  reaching  the  en- 
trance of  the  Bay  of  Biscay,  when  clouds  of  stratus, 
that  had  been  passing  from  the  northeast,  began  to  as- 
sume the  form  of  nimhiis ;  the  sea-birds  soaring  high, 
and  other  symptoms  —  known  only  to  seamen  —  of  the 
approach  of  boisterous  weather,  caused  a  shrill  piping 
fore  and  aft  the  decks  of,  "  All  hands,  ahoy !  shorten 
sail!" 

The  studding  sails,  and  all  light  sails,  were  quickly 
doused.  The  breeze  increased.  "  Man  well  the  weath- 
er braces,  reef  tackles  and  buntlines  !  Lay  aloft,  top- 
men,  and  stand  by  to  double  reef ! "  shouted  the  first 
lieutenant  through  his  trumpet. 

Clatter,  clatter,  flew  the  topsail  halliards.  "  Belay  ! 
belay!"  was  then  the  command,  and  soon  the  topsail 
yards,  fore,  main,  and  mizzen,  were  crowded  with  active 
sailors,  gathering  in  folds  of  heavy  canvas. 

"  Lay  down  !  lay  down  !  belay !  belay  !"  were  piped 
in  quick  succession. 

"  Strike  the  royal  and  topgallant  yards,  and  house 
the  masts  ! "  was  the  next  order.  The  yards  were  soon 
on  deck,  the  masts  lowered  as  far  as  the  topsail  yards 
and  lashed,  and  all  hauled  taut,  and  the  watch  piped 
below. 

The  wind  increased  to  a  gale,  and  by  four  bells,  in 
the  first  watch;  all  hands  were  again  piped  to  shorten 
sail. 


OR  TUE  DISINHERITED.  69 

r  "Take  in  and  furl  the  topsails,  reef  the  courses !" 
was  the  order,  and  soon  the  noble  frio-ate  was  snu"-. 
The  gale  still  increased,  the  lightnings  flashed,  and  the 
clouds  with  great  rapidity  passed  to  the  leeward. 

"  Furl  the  fore  course  !"  was  now  the  order.  "  Man 
the  gear  !  Are  you  all  ready  ?  —  start  away  ! "  And 
soon  that  heavy  sail,  so  lately  filled  with  wind,  by  gear 
and  men,  was  smothered  to  the  yard  and  furled. 

"  She's  now  snug,  sir,"  said  the  captain  to  the  first 
lieutenant,  "  so  pipe  below." 

"  Aye  !  aye  !  sir !"  answered  Colborn,  and  passed  the 
order  to  a  junior  officer. 

"  We  have  a  good  crew  this  time,  sir,"  observed  the 
first  lieutenant. 

"  Yes,  sir,"  responded  the  captain,  "  for  we  had  a  good 
selection."  And  having  made  a  few  remarks  concern- 
ing the  weather,  he  descended  to  his  cabin. 

The  gale  soon  became  one  of  the  most  terrific  that 
had  troubled  the  Bay  of  Biscay  for  man}^  years.'  The 
sea  ran  two  ways,  one  from  the  southeast,  the  other 
from  the  south-southwest,  tumbling  together  as  they 
met,  and  forming  into  mountains,  while  here  and  there 
a  pyramid  rose  so  high  as  to  threaten  to  fall  upon  the 
ship  and  swamp  her. 

Night  deepened,  a  fearful  night  indeed.  Now  a  tre- 
mendous sea  rushed  upon  her,  as  if  to  take  some  terri- 
ble revenge,  but  she  arose  forward  like  a  rearing  horse 
and  as  the  towering  billow,  about  to  break  upon  her 
decks,  rushed  on,  she  rolled  and  lurched  so  far  to  lee- 
ward that  the  main  deck  rail  and  lower  yard  arms  were 
buried  in  the  water,  thus  nobly  exposing  her  broad  wall 
side  to  resist  the  dreadful  force  of  the  wave,  as  if  in  or- 
der to  preserve  her  decks.  The  sea  passed  ;  she  right- 
ed quickly,  while  tons  of  water  escaped  from  open  ports 


70  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

and  scuppers,  and  she  was  again  ready  to  parry  ofif  in 
her  artful  manner  the  next  wave  that  the  terrific  gale 
should  force  upon  her. 

Eight  bells  struck,  and  summoned  North  on  deck. 
The  snarling  of  that  terrible  south-easter  sounded  dole- 
fully in  his  ears,  as,  muffled  to  the  eyes,  and  booted  to 
the  knees,  he  ascended  to  the  deck. 

The  captain  now  appeared  on  deck,  and  observed 
that,  as  it  had  come  on  rainy,  he  feared  there  would  be 
a  shift  of  wind. 

"  In  that  case,"  said  the  first  lieutenant,  "  we  would 
be  liable  to  be  taken  aback." 

"  Mr.  Colborn,"  said  the  captain,  "  all  hands  wear 
ship  ! " 

"  Mr.  Black,"  said  Colborn  to  the  lieutenant  of  the 
watch,  "  all  hands  wear  ship  !" 

"  Mr.  North,"  shouted  Black  through  his  trumpet, 
"  order  the  boatswain's  mate  to  pipe  all  hands  to  wear 
ship !  ^ 

"Boatswain's  mate!"  howled  out  the  diminutive - 
North  —  who  was  so  muffled  up  in  pilot  cloth  that  he 
might  have  been  taken  for  an  Esquimaux  —  "  all  hands, 
wear  ship ! " 

"  Aye  !  aye  !  sir  !  —  whew  !  whew !  All  hands,  wear 
ship !     Tumble  up,  tumble  up  !" 

"  Are  you  all  ready  ?"  shouted  the  first  lieutenant. 

"  Aye  !  aye  !  sir !  all  ready." 

"  Hoist  away  the  fore  topmast  staysail !  port  the 
helm  !  square  the  after  yards  ! " 

"  She  does  not  go  ofif,"  said  the  captain.  "  Send  forty 
men  into  the  weather  fore  rigging ! " 

This  seamanlike  manoeuver  being  promptly  obeyed, 
the  frigate  fell  off,  and  as  a  heavy  sea  took  her  on  the 
beam,  she  rolled  most  frightfully,  and  away  she  flew  be- 
fore the  gale. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  71 

"  Light,  ho  ! "  shouted  a  midshipman  on  the  fore- 
castle. 

"Sail  ho!"  cried  a  forecastleman,  as  the  lightning's 
flash  enabled  him  for  an  instant  to  see  the  dark  mass  of 
spars  and  rigging  of  a  vessel  looming  above  the  sea 
under  the  bow  of  the  Eace  Horse. 

"  Where  away  ?  "  cried  the  first  lieutenant ;  but  be- 
fore an  answer  could  be  given,  the  frigate  plunged  over 
the  reported  vessel.  Three  concussions  were  distinctly 
felt,  shrieks  of  human  voices,  and  all  was  over,  for  the 
unknown  vessel  with  all  on  board  had  gone  down  to 
rise  no  more. 

The  Eace  Horse  came  to  on  the  starboard  tack,  and 
lay  heading  on  the  sea  as  if  nothing  unusual  had  hap- 
pened. 

"  Sound  the  pumps,"  said  the  captain,  and  it  having 
been  done,  "  no  water  "  was  reported. 

"  An  unfortunate  vessel  that,"  observed  the  second 
lieutenant. 

"  Yes,"  said  Colborn  seriously,  "  and  we  can  thank 
our  stars  that  our  ship  did  not  meet  the  same  fate  by 
the  collision." 

"  Some  poor  devils  have  gone  home  ! "  said  an  old  tar, 
as  a  crowd  of  the  men  piped  down  descended  the  main 
ladder. 

"  Ay,"  rejoined  Bill,  "  and  a  many  a  one,  too,  for  she 
was  a  good  lump  of  a  craft." 

"Did  you  see  her,  then  ?"  asked  Tom,  as  he  took  a 
double  quid  of  tobacco  from  his  mouth,  and  placed  it 
in  his  south-wester. 

"  Ay,  by  Jove,  from  the  fourth  rattlin  of  the  fore 
rifforino;." 

"  Why  did'nt  you  sing  out,  then  ?" 

*  1  did,  but  it  blew  so  hard  I  could'at  make  'em  hear." 


iZ  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  What  was  she,"  demanded  Tom,  "  a  ship,  or  what  ?" 
"  A  ship,"  answered  Bill,  "  I  saw  her  crossjack  yard." 
"  How  could  you  see  her  crossjack  yard,  when  it  was 
60  dark  that  one  could'nt  see  his  hand  ?  and  what  do 
you  know  about  a  yard,  anyhow  ?  you  horse  marine  ! " 
"  Who  do  you  call  a  horse  marine  ?"  said  Bill  angri- 
ly.    "  I  had  tied  a  point  before  you  thought  of  leaving 
Nova  Scotia,  you  thundering  blue-nose  !" 

"  You  !  3^ou  north  country  lubber,"  said  Tom.  "  If 
you're  not  careful,  I'll  venture  a  dozen  or  two  for  the 
sake  of  flogging  you.  What  a  liar  you  must  be„to  say 
you  saw  a  ship's  crossjack  yard,  when  there's  Jo  Kel- 
lock,  a  forecastleman,  who  knows  that  neither  her  j^ards 
nor  masts  could  be  seen.     Wan't  it  so,  Jo  ?" 

"  I  saw  her  quite  plain,"  said  Jo,  "  and  her  masts  and 


"Blue-nose!  blu(?-nose!"  said  several.  "Does  Jo 
Kellock  take  the  part  of  a  blue-nose  ? " 

"Who  calls  me  a  blue-nose  ?"  called  out  the  Nova 
Scotian.  "  I  wish  we  were  ashore,  I'd  hck  two  or  three 
of  you." 

"What  do  you  say?"  cried  Bill;  and  as  he  spoke 
his  bony  fist  came  suddenly  in  contact  with  the  Nova 
Scotian's  nose,  which  was  not  blue,  but  red  from  the 
effects  of  hquor ;  but  before  the  blow  could  be  returned 
several  stepped  between  them,  saying,  "  What,  fighting 
here  !  you'll  be  reported." 

"  What  are  you  doing  ? "  demanded  Bill.  "  I've  only 
hit  him  once,  and  as  I  shall  be  cat-o-nine-tailed  anyhow, 
why  not  let  me  give  it  to  him  good  ?  " 

"  That's  my  handwriting,  too,"  shouted  the  blue-nose. 
"  Let's  have  it  out,  and  then  go  to  the  gangway  and  be 
flogged." 

"  No,  you  don't ! "  said   others,    "  no   fighting   here, 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  73 

you'll  get  us  all  in  hot  water ;  so  quit  your  jaw,  and 
away  to  your  hammocks,  for  if  this  weather  continues, 
you'll  be  wanted  on  deck  shortly."  So  saying,  they 
made  their  way  to  their  hammocks. 

Daylight  came  at  last,  that  welcome  visitor  to  anx- 
ious seamen,  and  Colborn,  standing  inside  the  bite  of  a 
rope  fastened  to  belaying  pins,  to  enable  him  to  keep 
upon  his  feet,  wet  to  the  skin  and  cold,  called  for  a  cup 
of  coffee,  and  having  drank  it,  carelessly  remarked,  "  I 
am  now  all  right  until  seven  bells." 

The  rain  had  ceased,  the  southeast  wind  suddenly 
died  away,  and  with  a  sudden  shift  came  out  from  the 
northwest. 

At  meridian  the  gale  began  to  abate,  and  through 
the  heavy  clouds  the  sun's  bright  rays  at  times  would 
penetrate,  indicating  pleasant  weather.  All  on  board 
were  satisfied  with  the  gallant  Race  Horse,  for  she  had 
survived  the  heaviest  gale  that  the  oldest  seaman  on 
board  had  ever  experienced,  and  yet  received  no  injury. 

Meanwhile,  the  officers  and  crew  had  become  pos- 
sessed of  the  fullest  confidence  in  each  other,  and  where 
such  is  the  case,  good  discipline,  contentment,  and  hap- 
piness, generally  rule  on  board  of  a  ship. 

By  six  P.  usL  the  lieutenant  of  the  watch  had  orders 
to  make  sail,  and  accordingly  the  foresail,  fore  topgal- 
lant staysail,  and  closed  reefed  topsails,  were  set  upon 
her.  On  the  following  day  the  weather  had  become  fine, 
the  sky  clear,  and  the  tall  frigate,  under  all  sail,  plowed 
the  yet  ruffled  waters,  presenting  a  far  difi'erent  ap- 
pearance from  what  she  did  not  many  hours  before. 

The  ship  having  arrived  at  the  longitude  of  twenty- 
six  degrees  north,  took  the  northeast  trade  winds,  and 
having  her  studdingsails  opened  on  the  port  side  to  its 
propelling  force,  dashed  past  the  numerous  sea-caps  that 
were  scattered  over  the  surface  of  those  blue  waters. 


74  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


CHAPTEE    X. 

THE    ARGUMENT. 

Lieutenant  Colborn  and  Midshipman  North  prome- 
naded the  deck  in  earnest  conversation,  but  in  a  low  tone 
of  voice,  for  fear  others  might  comprehend  the  subject 
of  their  colloquy. 

"And  do  you  really  intend  to  marry  her  ?"  asked 
North,  casting  upon  his  friend  an  inquiring  look. 

"  I  do,"  was  the  reply,  "  and  impatiently  await  the 
time  when  I  can  call  her  mine." 

"  But  have  you  weighed  the  numerous  obstacles  with 
due  consideration  ?"  asked  the  midshipman. 

"  I  have,"  answered  the  lieutenant  in  a  determined 
manner. 

"  I  am  sure,"  said  North,  "  that  you  cannot  be  aware 
of  all  that  should  hinder  you  from  taking  such  a  down- 
ward step. 

Colborn  cast  an  anxious  look  at  the  midshipman,  and 
said,  "  Why  do  you  think  I  am  not  aware  of  all  ?  Am 
I  not  possessed  of  common  sense  ?  am  I  a  child  ? " 

"You  are  not  a  child;  but  excuse  me  when  I  say, 
that  I  certainly  do  not  think  you  display  a  great  degree 
of  good  sense  in  making  such  a  plebeian  selection." 

"  And  why?"  demanded  Colborn. 

"  I  can  quickly  say,"  answered  the  midshipman,  "  if 
you  will  not  be  offended." 

"  Oh,  go  on,"  said  the  heutenant,  "'  for  what  you  say 
in  truth  will  not  offend  me,  and  as  you  are  a  gentleman, 
of  course  you  will  speak  the  truth." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  75 

"  Firstly,  then,"  began  North,  "she  is  not  in  any  re- 
spect worthy  to  be  your  wife." 

"  Be  sure  you  keep  within  the  bounds  of  truth,"  cried 
Colborn,  "  for  that  must  be  the  basis  of  your  state- 
ments." 

"  You  said,"  returned  North,  ''  that  you  would  not 
be  oftended;  so  let  that  be  the  basis  of  your  remarks." 

"  She  is  but  the  daughter  of  a  poor  inn-keeper,  with- 
out education,  religion,  accomplishments,  or  modesty," 
continued  North. 

"  'Tis  false,"  exclaimed  the  first  lieutenant  so  loud 
that  tiie  officers  walking  on  the  lee  side  of  the  quarter 
deck  looked  over  to  wiudward  in  astonishment. 

"Hold!"  said  North,  "  yoa  said  you  would  not  be 
oflfended." 

"And  you  were  to  keep  within  the  bounds  of  truth." 

"  I  think  I  have  ;  shall  I  go  on  ?  " 

"  Yes,  go  on,"  answered  Colborn  with  asperity. 

"  Well,  then,  your  marriage  with  her  would  not  only 
disgrace  your  parents  and  sister,  but  your  relatives  gen- 
erally; for  of  course  she  possesses  no  accomplishments, 
and  her  appearance  in  society  would  be  mortifying  to 
yourself.  I  fear  you  would  never  after  be  received  in 
the  same  circles  you  have  been  accustomed  to.  All 
this,  while  with  your  birth,  fine  and  manly  appearance, 
your  excellent  character  and  prospects,  you  could  de- 
mand the  hand  of  any  of  the  finest  ladies  of  our  ac- 
quaintance. You  seem  to  forget  who  you  are.  You 
do  not  realize  that  you  are  the  son  and  heir  of  a  rich 
and  honorable  knight,  that  you  are  at  an  early  age  the 
first  lieutenant  of  a  frigate,  and,  with  your  abilities  and 
prospects,  bid  fair  to  be  an  ornament  to  the  service. 
What  you  now  should  do,  and  by  all  means,  is  to  obtain 
the  hand  of  a  lady  whose  family  is  rich  and  influential. 


76  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

You  forget  that  at  forty  you  will  have  different  ideas 
upon  this  subject  from  what  you  now  have,  and  that, 
should  you  unite  with  a  lady  of  no  influence,  you  wi  1 
hereafter  regret  your  infatuation. 

"  Forget  her,  my  friend,  and  on  your  return  seek  the 
hand  of  some  lady  of  rank,  one  who  will  be  worthy  of 
your  noble  self.  Do  so,  and  you  will  win  the  esteem  of 
all  who  know  you,  benefit  yourself  in  all  ways,  become 
a  pillar  in  the  navy,  conspicuous  in  the  nation,  an  orna- 
ment to  society,  and  the  pride  and  hope  of  your  family. 
But,  on  the  other  hand,  unite  yourself  to  this  inn-keeper's 
daughter,  and  you  will  immediately  disgrace  your  noble 
self,  become  detested  by  all  your  connections,  and  no 
longer  be  in  the  w^ay  of  rising  to  eminence  in  the  navy 
or  nation ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  you  will  be  slighted  and 
even  despised  in  society,  you  will  bring  down  your  fa- 
ther s  proud  spirit,  and  breakyour  doating  mother's  heart, 
and  your  immaculate  sister  and  numerous  relatives  will 
look  upon  you  as  irrecoverably  lost." 

**  You  speak  like  an  orator,"  said  William,  ironically^ 
"  but  now  it  is  my  turn  to  say  a  few  words.  I  hold 
that  neither  my  family  nor  myself  would  be  degraded 
by  my  marriage  with  a  person  whose  only  fault  is  pov- 
erty. The  man  who  becomes  wealthy,  no  matter  by 
what  means,  according  to  your  argument,  shuns  dis- 
grace. The  sharper  having  but  one  talent,  and  that  for 
accumulating  wealth,  may  be  free  from  what  you  would 
term  ignominy,  while  he  who  has  many  talents,  and  is 
high-minded  and  honest,  but  still  poor,  must  be  looked 
down  on  in  society.  But  worse  than  all,  the  imbecile, 
stupid  as  a  mule,  is  to  be  honored,  simply  because  he  is 
born  to  wealth  and  title. 

"  No,  sir  ;  I  repeat  that  poverty  is  no  disgrace.    You 
made  the  assertion  that  she  was  not  accomphshed.  Now 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  77 

you  promised  to  keep  within  the  bounds  of  truth,  buthave 
not,  although  perhaps  unintentionally.  She  possesses 
a  voice  sweeter  than  that  of  the  nightingale,  and  it  is 
finely  cultivated.  I  have  sat  f(tr  hours  listening  to  her 
sweet  tones  —  their  charm  would  soften  the  heart  even 
of  an  aristocrat.  She  plays  the  guitar  to  perfection;  — 
then  you  have  seen  yourself  that  she  is  graceful. 

"  You  asserted  that  she  is  not  well  educated,  and  pos- 
sesses neither  religion  nor  modesty ;  all  w^hich  is  untrue  ! 
Much  attention  has  evidently  been  paid  to  her  educa- 
tion, and  she  is  pious  and  modest,  far  more  so  than  many 
of  those  same  haughty  ladies  of  rank  you  have  alluded 
to. 

"  Then,  are  you  not  aware  that  a  lady  rises  or  falls 
wath  her  husband,  and  not  he  with  her  ?  Kate  must 
rise  to  my  level  the  instant  she  becomes  my  bride  ;  and 
to  be^shamed  of  her !  Never  !  But,  on  the  contrary, 
I  shall  be  proud  to  introduce  her  to  my  relatives  and 
acquaintances,  who  will  be  anxious  to  solicit  the  society 
of  one  so  superior  in  every  respect.  Sir,  there  are  those 
who,  having  wealth,  education,  birth,  in  fact,  all  advan- 
tages, are  uncouth  and  unladylike  still.  Such  are  many 
in  high  life  with  whom  you  and  I  are  acquainted. 
There  also  are  those  whose  advantages  have  been  lim- 
ited, yet  still  who  are  genteel  and  graceful ;  in  fact,  are 
superior  to  the  great  mass  of  persons.  Such  a  one  is 
my  dear  Kate  —  a  perfect  lady." 

'     "  Then  you  do  not  admit,"  said  North,  "  the  superi- 
ority and  advantages  of  rank  ?" 

*'  Sir,"  nobly  answered  Colborn,  "  I  admit,  acknowl- 
edge, and  bow  to  nothing  in  this  world  but  genius,  char- 
acter, merit,  and  education.  I  am  a  man  of  the  people. 
The  conduct  of  the  Americans,  and  now  the  people  of 
France,  has   influenced  my  views  very  much  of  life  in 


78  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

this  particular.  I  find  that  raonarchicai  forms  of  govern- 
ment, aided  by  these  same  ideas  of  rank,  and  other  in- 
fluences connected  therewith,  are  crushing  the  people, 
and  trampling  upon  the  rights  God  has  given  them. 

"  Sir !  cast  your  mind's  eye  over  some  of  the  afiairs 
of  our  own  country.  The  members  of  the  royal  family, 
the  bishops,  members  of  the  government,  and  others, 
receive  enormous  salaries  ;  the  country,  kept  constantly 
at  war  to  maintain  some  foreign  crown,  which  is  of  no 
benefit  to  one  nation  or  the  other,  the  giving  of  large 
dowries  to  foreign  princes,  and  other  unreasonable  ex- 
penditures, drain  the  treasury,  and  are  prolific  causes 
for  imposing  taxation  so  heavily. 

"  In  France,  the  nobility  and  clergy  were  exempted 
from  taxation,  in  order  to  maintain  the  luxurious,  ex- 
travagant, and  profligate  court  of  the  Bourbon  Louis; 
consequently  it  fell  so  heavily  upon  the  middle  and  low- 
er classes,  that  they  were  driven  to  desperation  by  the 
demands  upon  them,  and  overthrew  their  government, 
and  formed  a  national  convention,  which  sentenced  the 
king  to  death,  as  guilty  of  conspiracy  against  the  na- 
tional liberty.  He  died  by  the  guillotine,  and  his  queen, 
Marie  Antoinette,  that  Austv'mn  fe?)i?)ie  cle  mauvaisevie^ 
soon  followed,  as  well  as  his  sister,  the  virtuous  Madame 
Elizabeth,  and  his  cousin,  the  duke  of  Orleans.  The 
remaining  members  of  the  family,  and  most  of  the  no- 
bility, sought  safety  in  other  countries,  principally  in 
England ;  and  although  report  says  that  Prince  Louis 
was  secretly  murdered  in  France,  yet  it  is  not  substan- 
tiated. 

"  Austria  and  Prussia  had  previously  declared  war, 
and  afterwards  England,  Holland,  Spain,  and  nearly  all 
the  rest  of  the  powders  of  Europe,  combined  against  the 
French  republicans,  determined  to  extinguish  the  glo- 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  79 

rious  sparks  of  liberty  before  they  should  augment  to 
a  general  conflagration  that  would  illuminate  Europe 
and  the  world.  They  were  in  the  end  partially  success- 
ful. But  -the  aspiration  for  liberty  is  becoming  more 
general,  and  even  in  our  own  country  there  were  people 
who  watched  the  progress  of  the  French  revolution 
with  feelings  of  sympathy  for  the  revolutionists. 

"  Again,  this  same  tyranny  in  taxing  our  brothers  in 
America  without  allowing  them  the  privilege  of  repre- 
sentation, will  forever  appear  as  a  stain  upon  the  reign 
of  George  the  Third,  for  that  act  of  tyranny  and  impo- 
sition upon  those  enterprising  and  loyal  subjects  caused 
the  loss  to  England  of  the  greatest,  most  wealthy,  and 
most  promising  colonies  she  ever  did  or  ever  will  pos- 
sess." 

North  had  been  walking  all  this  time  by  the  side  of 
his  superior  officer  in  silence,  listening  to  arguments  he 
co'uld  not  gainsay.  He  acknowledged  the  progress  of 
republicanism  in  the  United  States,  and  some  parts  of 
Europe,  but  he  could  not  believe  that  the  rabble  of  most 
of  the  countries  in  Europe  were  sufficiently  enlightened 
and  educated  to  be  able  to  govern  themselves,  nor  strong 
enough  to  overthrow  powerful  governments,  acting  in 
concert  and  having  wealth,  immense  navies  and  armies, 
and  other  important  influences,  to  act  upon  the  ignorant 
and  superstitious  masses,  and  he  said :  "  I  have  listened 
to  your  arguments,  Mr.  Colborn,  but  must  beg  to  differ 
from  you  in  opinion.'  And  may  I  ask  if  my  friend  is  an 
enemy  to  his  country?" 

"  By  no  means,"  promptly  answered  Colborn.  "  I 
am  patriotic,  but  like  thousands  of  our  countrymen,  am 
opposed  to  a  monarchical  form  of  government,  sincerely 
believing  that  the  masses  are  not  benefited  by  such,  I 
am  in  favor  of  that  form  of  government  that  shall  bene- 
fit millions  instead  of  only  thousands." 


80  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  I  presume,"  said  North,  "  that  you  are  willing  to 
admit  that  what  has  existed  and  continues  to  exist,  is 
more  certain  than  what  people  say  is  to  come;  that 
there  is  a  material  difference  between  past  fact  and  fu- 
ture expectation." 

"  Admitted,"  replied  Colborn. 

"Monarchical  forms  of  government," continued  North, 
"  have  permanently  stood  for  centuries ;  but  republi- 
canism is  in  its  infancy." 

"  Eepublicanism  is  not  so  very  young,"  said  Colborn. 
"  I  could  cite  instances  of  nations  having  happily  flour- 
ished under  a  republican  form  of  government.  The 
Venetian  Eepublic  was  the  seat  of  European  wealth 
for  a  long  time.  The  greatness  of  Eome,  the  mistress 
of  the  world,  began  with  the  republic,  but  declined  un- 
der the  empire.  But  I  do  not  cite  these  instances  spe- 
cially to  support  my  argument,  as  I  do  not  tliink  that 
governments  formed  in  those  dark  and  ignorant  ages 
should  be  held  up  as  examples  for  nations  to  follow  in 
this  enlightened  century  ;  but  you  do  !  Now,  this  en- 
lightenment is  spreading;  knowledge  continues  to  in- 
crease with  wonderful  rapidity,  penetrating  into  the 
midst  of  the  masses,  where  before  it  was  a  stranger, 
and  the  time  is  at  hand  when  there  must  be  a  change. 
Look  around  you  !  Are  not  millions  of  trodden-down 
people  waking  from  their  long,  deep  lethargy  ?  Is  it 
not  plain,  that,  since  the  scales  of  ignorance  are  drop- 
ping from  their  eyes,  and  the  roused  millions  have  thrown 
the  bugbears  of  privileged  classes  from  their  tall  seats 
in  France,  they  will  also  fall  in  other  countries  ?" 

"  Do  you  not  think,"  said  North,  "  that  good  order 
and  a  proper  submission  to  good  and  just  laws  ought 
to  be  maintained,  instead  of  mob-laws  and  the  impulse 
of  anarchy  ?" 

"  Yes,"  rephed  Colborn,  "  but  laws  enacted  by  kings 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  81 

and  their  subservient  ministers  are  seldom  good  ox  just ^ 
for  the  people  seldom  have  any  voice  therein.  If  an- 
archy rule  in  a  republic,  Wiq  people  must  abide  by  what 
they  cause,  and  they  have  the  consolation  to  know  that 
they  have  the  freedom  to  make  good  order  or  bad  order 
in  society  themselves  ! 

"Who,  I  ask,  ought  to  govern  a  country  but  thej^^eo- 
ple  of  that  country  ?  Sir,  there  was  more  anarchy  and 
civil  war  in  the  quarrels  of  the  houses  of  York  and 
Lancaster  than  have  ever  taken  place  in  any  republic. 
Away  with  such  cringing  sycophancy  to  monarchy ! 
And  I  think  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  there  will  be 
a  different  form  of  government  than  now  exists  in  Eng- 
land, ere  we  return." 

"  I  hope,  then,"  said  North  sarcastically,  "  that  we  will 
at  least  do  better  than  we  did  under  the  Protectorate  !" 

"Why  so?"  said  Colborn.  "England  flourished 
wonderfully  in  those  eleven  years." 

"  Admitted,"  said  North  reluctantly,  "  but  do  not 
mention  that  brute  Cromwell,  for  his  character  was  de- 
testable." 

"  You  are  prejudiced  against  him,"  said  Colborn, 
"  because  he  was  not  royalP 

"  Cromwell !  I  detest  the  very  name,"  said  North, 
vehemently. 

"  You  detest  it,"  replied  the  first  lieutenant,  "  because 
you  are  an  aristocrat.  But  it  is  time  to  go  below.  — 
Meanwhile,  you  have  not  convinced  me  that  my  dear 
Kate  is  not  worthy  of  me,  nor  that  the  people  should 
not  be  equal  with  the  king.  Hurrah  for  democracy  ! 
Good  night." 

"  Nor  you,"  cried  the  midshipman,  "  that  they  are 
equal  to  him.     God  save  the  king  !     Good  night." 

And  they  descended  to  their  respective  apartments. 
5 


82  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


CHAPTEE    XI. 

THE    EXECUTION    AND    ESCAPE. 

Let  US  now  give  our  attention  to  scenes  about  to  be 
enacted  at  Winchester. 

The  morning  of  the  fatal  clay  appointed  for  the  exe- 
cution of  Fellows  and  his  companion  had  arrived,  and 
thousands  were  assembled  in  the  open  space  before  the 
town-house.  Although  the  crowd  was  so  great,  there 
was  a  stillness  over  all  in  keeping  with  the  solemnity  of 
the  occasion.  Those  who  addressed  each  other  spoke 
in  low  tones,  but  by  far  the  greater  part  of  them  re- 
mained perfectly  quiet. 

The  eyes  of  the  people  were  turned  upon  the  town- 
house,  in  front  of  which  two  scaffolds  had  been  erected. 
The  time  fixed  was  eleven  o'clock  A.  M.,  when  two  hu- 
man beings  were  to  be  strangled  to  death,  and  forced 
hurriedly  into  the  presence  of  their  Creator.  It  is  awful 
to  know  that  man  deprives  his  fellow-man  of  what  God 
has  given  him,  sending  the  soul  prematurely  into  the 
presence  of  its  Maker,  before  He  has  demanded  it ! 
But,  as  good  order  in  society,  and  the  security  of  life 
demand  it,  we  are  obliged  to  darken  the  history  of  na- 
tions with  executions.  The  escape  from  capital  punish- 
ment of  murderers  has,  no  doubt,  on  the  average,  been 
the  cause  of  the  homicide  of  half  a  dozen  others. 
Hence,  the  execution  of  a  culprit  may  be  looked  upon 
as  saving  the  lives  of  half  a  dozen.  As  proof  of  this, 
in  those  countries  where  homicide  is  surely  punished 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  83 

with  death,  the  cowardly  crime  of  murder  is  seldom 
known ;  while  where  the  death  punishment  is  often  com- 
muted to  imprisonment,  the  crime  often  occurs.  In  fact, 
there  life  and  property  are  not  safe. 

A  large  party  of  policemen  surrounded  the  scaJBTolds, 
and  others  were  stationed  in  diflferent  parts  to  preserve 
good  order. 

The  clock  struck  the  hour  of  eleven.  All  eyes  were 
fixed  upon  the  scaffolds,  and  the  moving  multitudes 
around  them,  swaying  like  a  long  ground  swell  at  sea, 
told  that  the  expected  prisoners  were  coming. 

One,  and  by  his  side  a  clergyman,  wiis  led  through 
the  line  of  guards,  and  ascended  the  scaffold.  The 
clergyman  having  knelt  and  uttered  a  last  prayer  for 
the  soul  now  about  to  take  its  flight,  the  executioner 
placed  around  his  neck  the  fatal  rope.  The  blocks  were 
knocked  from  beneath  his  feet,  and,  suspended  in  air, 
Fletcher  gave  two  struggles,  as  if  trying  to  avoid  his 
fate,  and  nothing  but  lifeless  clay  remained  of  him  who 
had  deprived  others  of  their  lives,  as  well  as  property. 
All  eyes  had  been  so  drawn  to  the  scene,  that  for  a  few 
moments  they  had  forgotten  the  other  expected  crimi- 
nal. But  now  a  murmur  of  "  Where's  the  other  ?"  ran 
through  the  crowd.  A  rush  of  guards,  followed  by  an 
immense  crowd,  was  seen  pushing  towards  the  prison, 
and  soon  a  cry  of  "  He's  escaped,  he's  gone ! "  fell  upon 
the  ears  of  the  multitude. 

Great  confusion  now  reigned  through  the  crowd.  A 
general  search  commenced,  and  thousands  rushed  to 
and  fro,  they  knew  not  whither. 

"  Now  or  never  1 "  said  Fellows  to  himself,  and  quick 
as  thought  he  swung  the  heavy  irons  on  his  wrists 
against  the  warden's  temple  so  powerfully,  that  the  lat- 
ter fell  to  the  floor  insensible.     Fellows  then  took  the 


84  LIEUTENANT  COLBOEN, 

keys  from  the  fallen  man,  with  which  he  unfastened  the 
irons  upon  his  wrists,  and  stripping  off  the  outer  gar- 
ments of  the  official,  put  them  on  himself.  Then  closing 
the  door,  he  swung  the  ponderous  keys  from  side  to  side 
to  create  deception,  and  passing  down  the  corridor  by 
the  unsuspecting  guards  at  the  gate,  he  mixed  with  the 
crowd  in  the  street  undiscovered. 

He  passed  along  with  the  dense  mass  of  people, 
when,  fearing  he  might  be  recognized,  he  entered  an  old 
uninhabited  dwelling,  and  concealed  himself  in  the 
chimney.  Here  he  remained  in  horrible  suspense  until 
dark,  when  he  ventured  out,  and  with  a  careless  gait, 
to  appear  as  much  like  a  citizen  as  possible,  strolled 
through  the  principal  street,  and  reached  the  outskirts 
of  the  town.  He  had  indeed  made  a  narrow  escape, 
for  even  until  a  late  hour  men  were  searching  in  all  di- 
rections, and  he  had  passed  close  by  many. 
.  As  the  forests  and  mountains  in  front  became  visible 
by-  the  light  of  the  rising  moon,  and  the  last  scattering 
houses  of  the  outskirts  of  Winchester  became  lost  to 
view  behind  him,  Pellows,  wicked  as  he  was,  knelt  lowly 
upon  the  ground,  and  in  humble  gratitude  thanked  his 
Creator  for  his  escape,  —  that  Creator  who,  in  His  infi- 
nite goodness,  does  not  refuse  to  forgive  poor,  weak, 
and  erring  man  his  sins,  however  depraved. 

Before  morning  he  came  in  sight  of  a  forest,  and 
penetrating  its  inmost  thicket,  he  concealed  himself  be- 
neath some  broken  branches,  covered  with  brush,  and 
fell  asleep. 

It  was  past  four  on  the  following  afternoon  ere  ex- 
hausted nature  had  been  satisfied.  He  arose  and  left 
the  forest,  and  traveled  nearly  all  night,  when,  forced  by 
hunger,  he  stopped  in  front  of  a  cottage,  but,  espying 
a  well-laden  pear  tree  in  the  yard,  he  climbed  it,  and 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  85 

after  satisfying  his  appetite  with  the  delicious  fruit,  he 
descended,  and  without  arousing  the  inmates  of  the  cot- 
tage, proceeded  on  to  the  next  woods.  Here,  again,  he 
found  a  convenient  place  of  security,  and  laid  down  for 
the  day. 

In  this  manner,  living  on  fruit,  traveling  by  night  and 
sleeping  by  day,  he  arrived  at  Hurst,  a  little  village  just 
back  of  the  Isle  of  Wight.  It  was  late  in  the  evening 
when  he  entered  the  little  seaport,  and,  filled  now  with 
the  ^hope  that  his  vessel  might  be  there,  and  thus 
secure  \o  him  the  means  of  refuge  and  flight ;  and  anon 
with  fear  that  she  might  be  absent,  and  he  be  obliged 
to  remain,  he  knew  not  how  long,  where  he  would  be 
liable  to  be  detected,  —  he  wandered  down  to  the  land- 
ing, and  asked  a  boatman  if  the  brigantine  ]N'ancy,  a 
trader  to  France,  had  arrived. 

"  She  has  been  here  for  some  time,"  answered  the 
boatman,  "  as  many  know,  for  she  is  suspected  of  being 
a  smuggler,  or  something  worse." 

"  I  wish  to  be  put  on  board  of  her,"  said  Fellows, 
good-naturedly. '  And  well  he  might  feel  joyous,  after 
having  been  favored  with  so  much  good  fortune. 

He  stepped  into  the  boat,  and  as  she  left  the  shore  he 
looked  behind  and  smiled  to  think  he  was  past  all  dan- 
ger. The  boat  touched  the  vessel's  side,  and  he  sprang 
up  the  ladder,  and  with  a  light  heart  stepped  on  the 
deck  of  his  own  .Nancy  ! 

"Who's  that?"  asked  the  officer  of  the  deck  in  a 
gruflf  voice.  "  Who  are  you,  to  dare  to  come  on  board 
at  this  hour  o'  night  without  permission  ?  " 

"  No  enemy  —  and  I  wish  to  see  your  master,"  was 
the  reply. 

The  captain  ascended  to  the  deck,  and  Fellows  grasp- 
ed his  hand,  and  exclaimed,  "  Harvey,  don't  you  know 


86  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

me  ?  I'm  glad  to  see  you,  and  can  assure  you  that  the 
Nancy  has  the  finest  appearance  to  my  eyes  of  any  ob- 
ject I  have  seen  for  weeks,  for  I  am  nearly  famished, 
and  pursued  by  policemen  in  all  directions." 

"  Come  below,"  said  the  captain ;  and  they  descended 
to  the  cabin,  where  he  soon  partook  of  food  and  wine. 

"How  long  since  you  visited  London?"  asked  Fel- 
lows. 

"  About  two  weeks,"  answered  the  captain. 

"  How  is  Hubert,  and  others  of  our  friends  r " 

"  All  well." 

**  Why  did  not  Hubert  or  old  Peg  endeavor  to  obtain 
my  release?" 

"  I  do  not  know,  as  I  remained  there  but  one  day." 

"  I  presume,"  said  the  chief,  sarcastically,  "  that  they 
were  glad  to  get  rid  of  me,  in  order  to  divide  the  spoils." 
Then,  walking  up  and  down  the  floor,  he  asked  the  cap- 
tain what  he  had  been  doing  lately. 

"  I  have  been  cruising  about  the  Scilly  Isles  the  great- 
er part  of  the  time  for  the  last  two  months." 

"  Allow  me  to  see  your  books,"  asked  Fellows. 

Harvey  produced  them,  and  there  being  a  large  bal- 
ance shown  in  the  vessel's  favor,  the  chief  good-natured- 
ly remarked  that  he  should  need  it  all,  as  he  had  lost 
much  of  late.  "  You,"  continued  he,  "  have  been  more 
fortunate  than  I  have ;  but  it  appears  you  are  suspected 
of  being  a  smuggler !     Did  you  know  it  ?" 

"  I  did  not,  sir." 

"  "Well,  you  are,  and  must  put  to  sea  as  early  as  pos- 
sible. Are  your  crew  on  board  ?  When  can  you 
go?" 

"  I  can  sail  at  once." 

"What!  to-night?" 

"  Ay !  as  easily  as  by  day ;  I'm  well  acquainted  about 
here." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED."  87 

"  Proceed  at  once,  then  !"  said  Fellows. 
Presently  the  crew  were  heaving  at  the  windlass, 
and  in  a  few  minutes  she  was  underway.  A  thick  mist 
at  times  accompanied  the  moderate  southwest  wind,  but 
the  weather  was  not  bad,  and  as  the  little  clipper  bound- 
ed over  the  water.  Fellows  walked  the  deck,  musing  on 
the  eventful  life  he  had  lately  led. 

The  brisrantine  mio:ht  have  measured  two  hundred 
tons.  Her  shear  was  designated  from  quite  a  distance 
by  a  narrow  red  bead  that  surrounded  her.  Her  low 
rails  fell  in,  and  followino^  her  shear  were  lost  to  nothinor 
at  the  quarters.  The  quarter  deck,  raised  several  feet 
above  the  main,  gave  ample  height  to  her  splendid  cab- 
in. Beneath  the  bows  of  the  long-boat,  lashed  to  ring- 
bolts amidships,  was  concealed  a  large  cannon,  mounted 
on  a  pivot. 

Her  decks  were  polished  white  by  the  use  of  holy- 
stones, her  lofty  spars  raked  saucily,  and,  taken  all-in  all, 
the  Nancy,  of  London,  was  as  fine  a  craft  as  plowed  the 
waters  of  the  Enorllsh  channel. 

Having  beat  to  windward  two  days,  when  the  weath- 
er became  bad,  and  threatening  to  be  worse,  he  told  his 
owner  it  would  be  better  to  enter  a  port  for  safety. 

"  What  port  can  you  enter?"  anxiously  asked  Fel- 
lows. 

"Oh!"  said  the  skipper,  laughing,  "any  of  them  on 
this  coast;  whichever  one  we  fetch  on  this  tack  will 
answer." 

A  cry  of  land,  ho  !  was  soon  heard,  and  the  well- 
known  shores  of  England  were  approached. 

"  What  port  shall  we  reach  ? "  asked  Fellows,  wishing 
to  keep  as  far  as  possible  from  the  vicinity  of  Win- 
chester. 

"  This,  here,"  answered  the  captain,  "  is  the  harbor  of 


88  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

Plymouth,  and  if  we  are  lucky,  we'll  be  safely  anchored 
before  dark." 

The  brigantine  soon  reached  the  entrance  to  th^ har- 
bor, sailed  in  past  the  outer  shipping,  and  anchored  in 
safety. 

On  the  following  morning  Fellows,  having  attired 
himself  in  a  suit  of  blue,  and  wearing  a  cap,  to  appear 
as  an  officer  of  a  vessel,  accompanied  by  Harvey,  pro- 
ceeded on  shore.  They  traveled  carelessly  up  the  street 
for  a  considerable  distance,  when  Fellows  remarked  that 
he  should  like  to  take  a  drink. 

"  And  so  should  I,"  said  the  other ;  "  so  let  us  go  over 
to  old  Pederson's."     And  they  turned  into  Pell  street. 

Kate  now  seldom  appeared  in  the  bar-room,  as  her 
time  was  now  occupied  in  improving  herself  in  such  fe- 
male accomplishments  as  she  would,  in  all  probability, 
at  some  future  time  require  ;  but  by  chance  was  at  her 
old  place  when  Fellows  and  Harvey  entered. 

"  By  the  curse  of  old  Peg ! "  exclaimed  Fellows,  in  a 
low  tone,  "  but  that's  a  pretty  girl !  who  is  she  ?  the 
bar-maid,  eh  ! " 

"  Ay  !  and  you  are  not  the  only  man  who  thinks  she's 
pretty." 

"I  declare,  she  is  the  prettiest  female  I  ever  saw!' 
whispered  Fellows,  as  Kate  rose  from  her  seat  and 
gracefully  moved  from  the  room. 

",But  it  is  useless  for  you  to  admire  her,"  said  Har- 
vey, "  for  she  is  engaged  to  a  lieutenant  in  the  navy." 

"Is. that  true?" 

"  So  says  report." 

"  "What  kind  of  a  place  is  this  ?"  asked  Fellows,  cast- 
ing his  eyes  around  the  room,  "  respectable,  of  course." 

"  Quite  so,"  replied  his  companion. 

"  Do  they  accommodate  lodgers  ?  for  if  they  do,  I 


OR  TUE  DISINHERITED.  89 

shall  remain  here  a  while,  and  endeavor  to  form  her  ac- 
quaintance." 

"  They  do  occasionally,"  answered  the  captain. 
"Then  I  should  like  to  be  introduced  to  the  land- 
lord." 

"  Mr.  Pederson  ! "  said  Harvey,  respectfully,  "  allow 
me  to  introduce  to  you  Mr.  Carey,  the  owner  of  the 
Nancy." 

"  I  am  happy  to  make  your  acquaintance,"  said  Mr. 
Pederson,  extending  his  hand  to  Fellows, 

"  Mr.  Carey  wishing  to  obtain  ■  lodgings,"  said  Har- 
vey, "I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  recommend  him  to 
your  care." 

"  I  am  extremely  obliged  to  you ;  but  we  only  take 
a  friend  occasionally,  more  for  company  than  profit, 
but,"  —  glancing  at  the  fine-looking  and  intelligent  coun- 
tenance of  Fellows  —  he  continued,  "  I'll  speak  to  my 
daughter  upon  the  subject." 

Kate  having  no  objection,  it  was  arranged  that  Mr. 
Fellows,  alias  Carey,  should  become  a  lodger  at  the 
inn. 

"I  am  really  in  love  with  that  girl,"  said  Fellows,  as 
they  walked  down  the  street,  "  and  shall  do  my  best  to 
win  her.  I  presume  I  can  risk  to  remain  here  a  short 
time,  although  the  police  are  searching  for  me  in  many 
parts  of  the  country.  Do  you  not  think  so,  Harvey  ?" 
"  Oh !  ay !  for  this  is  a  long  way  from  Winchester, 
and  besides,  they  could  not  recognize  you  in  your  pres- 
ent trim." 

_  On  the  following  day.  Fellows,  seated  at  Mr.  Pe- 
derson's  table,  had  a  fine  view  of  Kate,  and  by  his  gen- 
tlemanly deportment  and  vast  information,  won  the 
esteem  of  the  host  and  his  fair  daughter.  He  was 
dressed  elegantly,  in  the  style  of  the  day,  and  with  his 
5* 


90  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

prepossessing  manners,  might  be  considered  a  danger- 
ous rival  to  even  as  fine  a  man  as  William  Colborn. 

He  remained  at  the  inn  for  several  days,  during  which 
time  he  held  much  conversation  with  the  family,  and 
had  made  advances  of  love  to  Kate,  —  although  in  such 
a  delicate,  modest,  and  gentlemanly  manner  that  no  of- 
fense could  be  taken,  — yet  all  in  vain ;  for  she  would 
listen  to  nothing  that  had  a  tendency  to  compromise 
her  previous  engagement ;  yet  received  his  advances  in 
a  spirit  of  friendship,  and  could  not  but  feel  compli- 
mented. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  91 


CHAPTEE    XII, 

THE     FIGHT. 

Fellows,  not  having  succeeded  in  obtaining  her  affec- 
tions, and  overhearing  two  gentlemen  in  earnest  con- 
versation concerning  the  escape  of  himself  from  the 
"Winchester  prison,  became  alarmed,  and  concluded  to 
leave  England  immediately.  Accordingly,  after  bid- 
ding Mr.  Pederson  and  his  daughter  a  friendly  adieu, 
and  leaving  upon  their  minds  the  most  favorable  im] 
pressions,  he  repaired  on  board  the  brigantine,  and,  as 
a  fine  breeze  blew  from  the  northwest,  the  Nancy  was 
soon  again  in  the  channel. 

She  cruised  about  for  many  days,  more  for  the  pur- 
pose of  keeping  Eellows  in  safety  than  for  purposes  of 
gain;  but,  on  a  clear,  moonlight  evening,  off  the  en- 
trance of  the  channel,  two  large  ships  were  discovered 
not  far  distant. 

"  Those  ships  are  men-of-war,"  said  the  captain  to 
Fellows,  "  and  no  doubt  are  convoying  merchantmen. 
Keep  a  good  look-out ! "  continued  he,  addressing  his 
first  ofiicer. 

"Sail,  ho!"  cried  the  look-out,  as  a  third  ship  was 
seen  following  the  men-of-war. 

"  Where  away?" 

"  Two  points  on  the  w^eather  bow,  sir  ! " 

"  Sail,  ho  ! "  shouted  the  mate,  as  still  another  ship 
hove  in  sight.  * 

**  Here  is  a  chance  for  us,"  said  the  captain,  rubbing 


92  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

his  hands,  "  for  ships  under  convoy  sometimes  cany 
valuable  cargoes." 

"  What  do  you  mean?"  asked  Fellows,  who  was  not 
familiar  with  sea  terms,  or  sea  robbery. 

"  A  large  fleet  of  Indiamen  are  under  the  convoy  of 
those  frigates,"  answered  the  experienced  captain. 

"  And  what  chance  have  we  with  them,  in  a  small 
vessel  like  this  ?"  asked  Fellows. 

"  Tie  chance  of  pouncing  upon  one  of  the  tardy  logs, 
that  has  been  left  far  behind,  if  we  choose  to  make  the 
attempt." 

"  What  articles  of  value  would  such  a  vessel  be  hkely 
to  have  on  board  ? " 

"  The  valuable  productions  of  India,  and  perhaps  a 
quantity  of  specie." 

"  That  would  do,"  observed  Fellows,  his  eyes  bright- 
ening. 

"  Shall  we  board  one  ?  "  queried  the  captain. 

"  By  all  means,"  answered  Fellows ;  but  he  after- 
wards modified  what  he  had  said  to  "  do  as  you  please." 

Another,  and  yet  another  ship  rolled  along  before  the 
southwest  wind. 

"  There  ! "  said  Harvey  to  his  mate,  "  what  think  you 
of  that  one,  just  to  windward  of  us  ?" 

The  rough  mate  shook  his  head,  and  answered  that 
he  did  not  like  her  appearance.  "  For,"  continued  he, 
"  she's  too  large,  and  besides,  too  near  the  fleet." 

"Keep  a  bright  look-out!"  said  the  captain,  "for  if 
the  next  one  that  is  alone  is  not  too  hea\y,  w^ell  try 
her." 

"  Sail,  ho  ! "  cried  a  voice  forward,  as  the  bright  rays 
of  the  moon  shone  upon  the  white  canvas  of  another 
ship. 

"  There  ! "  said  the  mate,  as  the  stranger  drew  nearer. 


OR  TUE  DISINUERITED.  93 

'  she^s  a  small  snip,  and  no  other  one  is  near,  so  we  can 
take  her  easily." 

"  Every  man  to  his  station  !"  cried  the  captain  ;  and 
the  order  was  instantly  obeyed. 

The  stranger  had  reached  within  half  a  mile,  when 
the  brigantine  was  kept  awa}^  a  little,  and,  the  full  force 
of  the  wind  acting  on  her  swellirfg  sails,  she  leaped  as 
if  with  new  life  through  the  water. 

"  Is  the  pivot  gun  well  manned  ?"  demanded  the  anx- 
ious skipper. 

"  All  ready,  sir." 

"  All  ready  with  the  small  arms  ?" 
"  Aye  !  aye  !  sir." 

The  little  craft  had  now  reached  within  pistol-shot  of 
the  stranger,  sailing  directly  across  her  bows. 

"  Stand  by  to  fire  the  pivot  gun  !  and  be  sure  to  rake 
her." 

"  Aye  !  aye  !  sir." 
"All  ready?" 
"  All  ready,  sir." 

"  Hold !  hold  !"  cried  the  captain.     "  Oh  !  God  !  she's 

a  man-of-war !     Hard  a-port !     Show  a  signal  lantern  ! " 

"Brigantine,  ahoy!"  shouted  a  gruff  voice  through 

a  trumpet  from  the  quarter-deck  of  the  sloop-of-war ; 

for  such  she  proved  to  be. 

"  Holloa ! "  answered  Harvey,  as  he  leaped  towards 
the  mate,  saying  to  him,  hastily,  "  Cover  up  the  gun,  or 
we  are  lost ! " 

"What  vessel  is  that?" 

"  The  Wasp,  of  Liverpool ;  from  Newcastle  bound 
to  Lisbon." 

"  What's  your  cargo  ?" 

"Coals." 

"  Well,  what  the  devil  are  you  doing  under  our  bows, 


94  "  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

Mr.  lubber?"  cried  the  oflBcer  of  the  deck  petulantly; 
and  other  expletives,  quite  as  complimentary,  were  the 
last  words  distinguishable  as  the  ship  sailed  away,  and 
the  brigantine,  hauling  her  wind,  bounded  to  windward. 

"  What  the  devil  were  you  about,  Harvey  ?"  demand- 
ed Fellows.  "  Do  you  not  know  a  man-of-war  from  a 
merchantman?  I  came  here  for  safety;  but  it  seems 
am  in  more  danger  than  on  shore." 

"  I  am  not  often  deceived,  though,"  said  the  skipper, 
"  and  it  might  have  been  worse." 

"  Sail,  ho  !"  was  again  the  cry. 

"  Another  man-of-war,"  muttered  Fellows.  "  Demme  1 
I'd  rather  be  chased  by  policemen  ! 

"  Perhaps  not,"  calmly  remarked  the  captain. 

"  No  mistake  this  time ! "  said  the  mate,  as  the  strang- 
er approached  quite  near.  "  My  life  on  her  being  a 
merchantman." 

"  What  say  you,"  said  Harvey  to  Fellows,  "  shall  we 
board  her?" 

"  You  know  best ! "  was  the  reply,  given  in  an  unde- 
cided manner. 

"  Stations  again ! "  cried  the  captain.  "  Keep  her  off ! 
steady  !  so  !     Stand  by  to  grapple  !     Are  you  ready  ?" 

"  All  ready." 

"  Hard  a-starboard,  and  let  her  go  alongside." 

The  next  instant  the  brigantine  touched  her  side,  and 
the  active  grapplers  fastened  the  two  vessels  together, 
by  means  of  ropes  rove  through  the  stranger's  chain- 
plates.. 

"  Boarders,  away ! "  cried  the  captain,  and  the  next 
instant  the  mate  and  fifteen  stout  men,  all  armed  with 
pistols  and  short  swords,  ascended  her  side  and  leaped 
on  her  decks,  amidst  her  astonished  crew. 

A  fight  now   ensued.     Harvey  and  the  remaining 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  95 

few  of  his  crew  now  leaped  on  board  to  assist  their 
shipmates,  and,  as  the  sharp  sound  of  pistol  shots  fell  on 
the  ears  of  Fellows,  a  music  that  had  often  greeted 
them,  he,  too,  was  aroused,  and  soon  his  tall  figure  ap- 
peared on  the  rail  of  the  ship,  and  then  upon  her  bloody- 
decks. 

The  affair  was  soon  over ;  the  captain  of  the  stranger 
surrendered.  Three  had  been  killed  and  several  wound- 
ed, which  was  but  a  trifling  loss,  compared  with  what 
might  have  been  expected. 

But  signal  guns  had  been  fired,  which  would  soon 
bring  assistance  from  the  armed  ships.  So  Harvey 
hastily  demanded  of  the  captain  to  produce  his  manifest. 

The  captain  hesitated.  - 

"  Your  manifest !"  cried  Fellows. 

He  still  hesitated. 

Fellows,  judging  by  the  captain's  appearance  that 
the  wished-for  document  contained  ^something  he  did 
not  wish  them  to  see,  and  knowing  their  time,  was  lim- 
ited, seized  him  by  the  throat,  and  placing  his  pistol  to 
his  breast,  said,  in  a  determined  manner,  "  Produce 
your  manifest,  or  daylight  shall  shine  through  your 
body  instantly." 

The  captain  gave  up  his  papers. 

The  manifest  proved  that  eight  kegs  of  specie,  four 
hundred  packages  of  rich  goods  from  India,  and  other 
valuables,  were  on  board  of  her. 
^  "  All  right,"  cried  Fellows.     "  "Where  is  the  specie  ?  " 

It  was  soon  found  and  conveyed  to  the  brigantine, 
and  Harvey  exclaimed,  with  joy,  "  Lucky  to  the  last. 
Nothing  venture,  nothing  gain." 

"  Come,  now,  let's  be  off,"  said  Fellows. 

"  Shall  we  not  take  some  of  those  rich  packages  .? '' 
asked  Harvey. 


96  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  By  no  means,"  was  the  reply.  "  Let  well  enough 
alone.  There  are,  without  doubt,  ships-of-war  ap- 
proaching." 

They  leaped  on  board  their  vessel,  cast  off  the  fasts, 
and  separating  from  the  ship,  made  all  sail,  and  bounded 
away  to  the  northward. 

"  How  much,  think  you,  the}^  each  contain  ?"  asked 
Fellows,  with  a  smile,  as  he  surveyed  the  sealed  kegs 
before  him. 

"  Five  thousand  pounds  in  each." 

"  By  the  spirit  of  old  Peg,  this  is  better  than  work- 
ing on  the  road,  I  wish  I  were  a  sailor.  But,  come, 
let's  drink  to  our  good  fortune.  Call  down  the  officers. 
Send  the  best  of  Hquors  to  the  men  —  heigh  !  ho  ! " 

They  drank,  but  not  to  excess,  nor  were  the  crew 
supplied  with  more  than  could  be  drank  in  safety. 

At  daylight  a  ship  was  descried  astern,  and  making 
for  them. 

As  Harvey  placed  his  experienced  eye  to  the  glass, 
he  exclaimed,  without  any  hesitation :  "  We  are  chased, 
and  by  a  lof^^-looking  craft,  too  ! " 

"  Do  you  think  she  will  overtake  us  ? "  asked  Fel  - 
lows,  anxiously. 

"  I  think  not,  unless  the  breeze  increases  to  a  gale. 
In  that  case,  a  larger  vessel  would  have  the  advantage ; 
but  in  a  fair,-  moderate  breeze  like  this,  I'll  put  the  Nan- 
cy against  an3^thing  in  these  parts."  And  as  he  spoke, 
he  looked  aloft  with  pride  at  her  nicely  fitting  sails. 

All  sail  was  now  crowded  upon  both  the  vessels,  but 
throughout  the  day  the  Nancy  proved  the  better  sailer, 
and  at  last  had  left  the  stranger  so  far  behind,  that  all 
on  board  were  in  high  spirits,  and  applauded  her  to  the 
skies. 

The  sun  disappeared  behind  a  bank  of  clouds  in  the 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  97 

west,  just  before  she  reached  the  horizon,  and  Harvey 
cast  in  that  direction  a  suspicious  look,  as  if  he  feared 
an  increase  of  wind. 

Still  the  Nancy  sped  on,  fully  holding  the  advantage 
she  had  gained  in  distance  over  her  large  pursuer. 

At  night,  the  cloud-bank  arose  from  the  horizon, 
spreading  gloomily  over  the  heavens,  and  with  it  the 
breeze  increased  greatly,  and  obliged  the  vessels  to  take 
in  their  light  sails,  and  bowse  tight  their  braces. 

By  ten  o'clock  P.  M.,  the  breeze  increased  so  much 
that  the  ship  could  with  the  greatest  difficulty  carry 
her  topgallant  sails,  and  the  little  Nancy  was  obliged  to 
reef. 

Harvey  walked  the  deck  with  rapid  strides,  for  he  well 
knew  that  the  ship  was  now  gaining  upon  his  little 
craft.  Daylight  came,  and  told  too  well  that  his  fears 
had  been  realized,  for  the  frigate  was  scarcely  three 
miles  astern ;  and,  as  a  chase  gun,  and  yet  another, 
boomed  over  the  water,  the  heart  of  every  man  on 
board  the  brigantine  sank  within  him. 

"  I  fear,"  said  Fellows,  in  a  doleful  tone,  "  that  my 
eventful  career  is  about  ended  ;  it  is  evident  we  shall  be 
taken,  and  what  we  have  done,  you  know,  will  stamp  us 
as  pirates  ! " 

A  shot  passed  through  the  mainsail,  but  yet  the  little 
clipper  kept  on,  leaping  over  and  through  the  sea,  as  if 
determined  yet  to  ^vin  the  race. 

Another  shot  whizzed  over  their  heads  through  the 
rigging.     The  frigate  continued  to  gain. 

"  It's  all  up  with  us  now,"  said  the  mate,  "  for  the 
frigate  is  luffing  to,  to  give  us  a  broadside.  We  had 
better  surrender  without  further  ado  ! " 

"  Not  so  fast  with  your  surrendering,"  said  Harvey, 
cheerfully.  "  The  Scilly  Isles  are  in  sight,  and  I  will 
yet  play  them  a  trick  they  don't  dream  of ! " 


98  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

And  such  was  the  case,  for  the  land  appeared  to  sud- 
denly loom  up  above  the  thick  mist  hanging  over  it,  and 
at  no  great  distance. 

The  brigantine  seemed  to  leap  anew,  as  if  some  charm 
existed  amongst  those  rocks  to  draw  her  towards  them. 
The  experienced  hand  of  Harvey  steered  his  vessel ;  he 
watched  her  every  movement,  unmindful  of  the  boom- 
ing cannon.  She  neared  the  rocks,  and  plunged  at  them 
as  if  to  dash  in  pieces  amongst  the  breakers,  when  lo  ! 
a  little  opening  between  two  high  bluffs  appeared,  just 
wide  enough  to  admit  her  entrance. 

She  dashed  on  through  the  little  passage,  leaving 
rocks,  breakers,  and  frigate  behind,  and  was  in  safety. 

"  Not  this  time ! "  jocosely  observed  Harvey,  as  he 
gave  up  the  helm  to  a  sailor.  "  But,  by  the  virtue  in  a 
buntline,  that  frigate  sails!" 

"  Shall  we  remain  here  in  this  little  harbor?"  contin- 
ued he,  addressing  Fellows,  "  or  proceed  through  the 
channel  into  the  open  sea  north  of  all  these  islets,  and 
far  from  the  frigate  r " 

Fellows  grasped  the  captain's  hand  w^ith  gratitude, 
and  said  :  "  Harvey,  greatest  of  all  seamen,  I'll  not  for- 
get that  3"ou  saved  my  life  this  day.  Proceed  through" 
the  channel  north  and  to  London,  so  that  we  can  place 
our  treasure  in  safety." 

The  Nancy  having  threaded  her  way  through  many 
intricate  passages  among  the  isles  and  rocks  with  which 
those  seas  abound,  before  dark  rounded  the  Seven 
Stones,  and  shaped  her  course  for  the  Lizard  Point. 

"  Is  there  now  no  danger  of  meeting  the  frigate,  or 
some  other  vessel  of  war  ?"  asked  Fellows. 

"  Not  the  sliglftest,"  answered  the  captain,  "  for  no 
large  vessels  go  on  our  route,  and  but  few  pilots  dare 
venture  where  we  are  now  ;  so  be  easy,  for  in  safety  we 
will  proceed  to  London." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  99 

As  they  passed  the  Eddystone  Eock,  Fellows  cast  a 
wishful  look  towards  Plymouth,  and  said,  "  Harvey  ! 
What  shall  I  do  to  win  that  girl  ?" 

"  Win  the  pretty  bar-maid  ?  I  know^  not  what  to  say, 
for  it  appears  she  is  already  betrothed ;  but  there  have 
been  girls  won  under  circumstances  quite  as  unpropi- 
tious  —  and  you  know  '  Faint  heart  never  won  fair 
lady'!"' 

"  I  shall  go  and  see  her  again,"  said  Fellows,  "  for  I 
love  her  dearly." 

On  arriving  at  the  Downs,  a  manifest  was  made  out 
from  Plymouth  to  London  in  ballast,  and  the  vessel 
proceeded  up  the  river. 

It  was  midnio;ht  when  she  arrived  off  Blackwall. 
The  boat  w^as  manned,  the  specie  placed  in  her,  and 
Fellows  getting  on  board,  she  dropped  up  with  the  flood, 
and  silently  approached  the  sewer  that  marked  the  en- 
trance of  the  secret  passage  to  the  retreat  of  the  rob- 
bers. Keg  after  keg  was  passed  into  the  sewer,  until 
the  eighth  had  disappeared  in  the  dark  cavity.  Fellows 
and  Harvey  proceeded  through  the  subterranean  pass- 
age, followed  by  the  men  who  conveyed  the  precious 
metal.  They  lighted  torches,  and  proceeded  on  through 
door  after  door,  which  opened  as  if  by  magic  as  the 
practiced  hand  of  Fellows  touched  their  secret  springs. 

"All  right,"  said  he,  as  they  arrived  beneath  the 
houses  heretofore  described.  "  I  feared  there  might 
have  been  some  change  since  I  was  here,  but  Hubert 
has  kept  things  in  order."  And  they  ascended  through 
a  trap-door,  and  were  upon  the  floor  of  tlie  dwelling  of 
their  leader. 

"Where's  the  watch?"  cried  he.  "All  asleep? 
Keep  no  watch  now,  or  have  you  all  become  honest 
men  > " 


100  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

Hubert's  well  known  voice  was  now  heard  repri- 
manding servants,  and  the  next  instant  he  appeared  and 
welcomed  the  man  who,  amongst  those  hardy  and  dis- 
honest men,  was  a  mighty  chief. 

The  specie  was  conveyed  to  a  closet,  and  filling  their 
glasses,  they  drank  to  the  good  fortune  that  had  not 
failed  to  hover  over  them,  while  they  mourned  the  un- 
fortunate fate  of  Fletcher. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  101 


CHAPTEE    XIII. 

THE    LETTER. 

Melissa  sat  in  the  drawing  room  of  the  elegant  man- 
sion at  Mount  Prospect.  She  was  quite  young,  yet  had 
lived  long  enough  to  be  imbued  with  the  pride  of  her 
mother.  She  gazed  into  the  garden,  but  whether  her 
mind  dwelt  upon  its  numerous  plants ;  upon  the  fash- 
ionable party  who  had  graced  the  mansion  a  few  nights 
previous;  upon  this  or  that  fine  young  gentleman  of 
her  acquaintance  ;  or  upon  her  absent  betrothed,  George 
North,  it  would  be  diflScult  for  us  to  say.  A  servant 
entered,  presented  her  a  letter,  and  withdrew.  She 
looked  at  the  superscription,  and  knew  immediately  it 
was  from  George. 

She  leisurely  opened  it,  without  show-ing  any  particu- 
lar emotions  of  pleasure,  and  ^ose  from  her  seat,  left 
the  apartment,  ascended  to  her  boudoir,  and  having 
thrown  herself  carelessly  upon  a  lounge,  perused  its 
contents : 

Eio  DE  Janeiro,  Oct.  26th,  17 — . 

Dear  Melissa  : — 

It  is  now  nearly  three  months  since  we  were 
separated  by  unhappy  fate.  After  we  left  Plymouth, 
all  went  on  well  as  usual  on  board  of  a  frigate  at  sea, 
until  the  evening  of  the  17th,  when  there  came  on  a  tre- 
mendous gale.  The  hghtnings  flashed;  the  thunder 
roared ;  and  the  seas  ran  mountains  high.  Once  the 
ship  lurched  upon  her  side  as  if  never  more  to  right ; 


102  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

then  she  bounded  on  to  an  unknown  vessel,  which  with 
all  on  board  sank  to  rise  no  more. 

All  hands  were  kept  on  deck,  to  preserve  the  frigate 
and  their  lives !  —  and  oh !  Melissa !  all  that  night  I 
thought  of  thee  ! 

"We  arrived  here  two  days  since,  and  in  a  few  days 
will  proceed  on  our  voyage.  "Wilharais  well.  I  regret 
that  it  becomes  my  painful  duty  to  communicate  to  you 
an  error  that  he  is  in  a  fair  way  of  committing,  calcu- 
lated to  wound  the  feeUngs  of  his  family  and  friends, 
when  known.  There  is  a  poor  girl,  the  daughter  of  an 
inn-keeper  at  Plymouth,  whose  beauty,  and  no  doubt, 
artful  manners,  have  won  the  affections  of  your  noble 
brother.  He  declares  that  he  is  betrothed  to  her,  and 
that  his  nuptials  will  be  celebrated  on  his  return  home. 
He  also  seems  to  be  imbued  with  the  low  ideas  of  re- 
publicanism. 

I  have  endeavored  to  dissuade  him  from  his  infatua- 
tion ;  but  in  vain.  We  have  had  several  serious  argu- 
ments upon  both  subjects  ;  but  I  can  not  convince  him 
that  he  is  wrong  in  either.  It  is  really  a  pity  that  so 
promising  a  gentleman  ^oops  so  low  as  to  think  of  this 
girl,  or  to  plebeian  principles.  Forgive  me  for  writing 
what  may  appear  to  you  as  underrating  the  worth  of 
your  dear  brother  and  my  friend.  That  is  farthest 
from  my  thought.  I  would  that  William  Colborn  had 
those  dignified  and, lofty  principles  possessed  by  his 
lovely  sister;  indeed,  than  this  there  is  but  one  wish 
that  has  control  in  my  heart,  and  that  one  I  will  at  some 
future  time  disclose  to  my  dear  Melissa.  Please  pre- 
sent my  sincere  regard  to  your  parents,  and  believe  me 
your  unalterably  attached, 

G-EORGE. 

Melissa  folded  the  letter,  and  with  an  air  of  ofifended 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  103 

pride,  descended  to  the  drawing  room.  She  did  not 
wish  to  be  the  first  to  disclose  such  sad  news  to  her 
mother ;  but  knew^  that  it  would  not  do  to  keep  the  se- 
cret locked  in  her  own  bosom.  What  then  could  she 
do  ?  Inform  her  father  ?  Yes,  it  w^as  her  duty  to  in- 
form at  least  one  of  her  parents,  and  she  repaired  to  his 
study,  where  she  was  met  with  her  accustomed  welcome. 

"  Why,  my  dear,"  said  Sir  William,  "  the  sad  look 
upon  that  fair  brow  ?  No  bad  news  from  our  friend, 
Mr.  North,  I  hope?" 

"  No  bad  news  from  him,  father,  but,"  said  she,  as 
she  kissed  him,  and  sorrowfully  glanced  upon  his  cheer- 
ful countenance,  "  I  can  not  say  as  much  of  the  news 
from  William,"  and  she  burst  into  tears. 

"  You  alarm  me  !  speak,  dear  child,  and  let  me  know 
the  w^orst  at  once." 

Melissa  handed  him  the  letter,  and  asjie  read  the  as- 
tonishing '  lines,  his  features  became  pale  as  marble. 
"  Can  it  be  possible,"  said  he,  "  that  my  dear  son  can  so 
far  forget  himself!  This  is  indeed  sad  news,  my  child, 
and  I  deeply  regret  that  I  must  announce  it  to  your 
mother,"  and  so  saying  he  took  her  hand,  and  they 
descended  to  the  drawing  room. 

"  It  is  strange  we  have  not  received  a  letter  from 
William,"  said  he  to  Mrs.  Colborn. 

"  I  think  he  must  have  written,"  said  Mrs.  Colborn, 
"  as  he  never  neglects  us  wiien  he  is  absent.  But  why 
do  you  look  so  sad  ?  And  Melissa  in  tears !  Have  you 
learned  bad  news  ?  " 

"  Melissa  has  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  North,"  said 
he,  "which  she  places  at  our  disposal  to  read.  I  have 
read  it;"  and  he  placed  it  in  her  hand.  The  haughty 
lady  read,  until  she  reached  the  line  that  gave  informa- 
tion of  the  betrothal  of  her  son  ;  she  could  go  no  fur- 
ther.    The  letter  fell  from  her  hand,  and  she  fainted. 


104  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  Water !  water  !"  cried  the  general,  and  pulling  the 
bell-rope  furiously,  several  servants  rushed  in  at  once. 
She  soon  recovered,  was  placed  upon  a  sofa,  and  the 
servants  withdrew. 

"  Well,  dear,"  said  the  general,  "  I  hardly  consider 
this  so  serious,  after  all,  for  perhaps  William  has  only 
been  flirting  with  the  girl,  as  is  the  custom  with  most 
young  men.  I  can  not  think  that  our  son  thinks  of  mar- 
riage with  such  a  person."  As  he  spoke  he  assumed  a 
cheerful  look,  and  walking  to  his  son's  portrait,  exclaimed 
"That  boy  disgrace  the  proud  name  of  Colborne? 
never  !" 

"  If  it  were  only  a  flirtation,"  sighed  Mrs.  Colborn, 
"  I  would  not  care  so  much ;  but  William  is  too  candid, 
too  noble  and  honorable  by  nature  to  deceive  a  girl,  no 
matter  how  low  she  is  by  birth.  Then  I  cannot  conceal 
it  from  myself  that  he  always  possessed  proclivities  of  a 
plebeian  character,  but  whom  he  took  them  from  I  do  not 
know ;  certainly  not  from  me  !" 

"  And  do  you  really  think,"  asked  the  general,  "  that 
William  intends  to  unite  himself  to  this  girl  ?" 

"  The  letter  so  states,"  replied  Mrs.  Colborn.  "  I 
fear  there  is  too  much  cause  to  believe  the  foolish 
boy  will  thus  throw  himself  away.  I  fear  it  is  too 
true,  for  he  often  went  to  Plymouth,  when  it  puzzled 
me  to  know  what  was  the  business  that  took  him  there." 

"  I  had  hoped,"  said  Melissa,  "  that  Ida  had  made  an 
impression  on  William's  heart ;  but  he  did  not  appear 
to  be  at  all  charmed  with  her." 

"  Even  if  he  has  become  enamored  of  this  bar -maid," 
said  the  general,  now  becoming  a  little  convinced  that 
it  was  true,  "  William,  with  his  good  sense  and 
judgment,  will  scorn  the  idea  of  marriage,  when  he  con- 
siders all  the  disadvantages  of  such  an  alliance ;  and 
being  influenced  by  Mr.  North,  he  will  long  ere  his  re- 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  105 

turn  cast  her  from  his  mind  in  disgust.  Do  not  be  at 
al}  uneas}^  about  our  noble  WiUiam,  for,  depend  upon 
it,  we  will  never  have  to  blush  for  ^^V?^." 

A  servant  announced  that  Lord  North  had  just  en- 
tered. 

"Oh,  dear!"  cried  Mrs.  Colborn,  nearly  fainting 
again,  "  I  am  all  in  tears !  What  shall  I  do !  Go,  "William, 
and  you,  Melissa,  but  I  am  not  well  enough  to  see  him. 
Excuse  me  as  being  quite  indisposed,  and  do  not  by 
any  means  let  him  know  of  the  sad  news  of  WilUam." 

"  I  have  no  doubt,"  said  the  general,  •'  but  that  his 
son  has  already  informed  him." 

"  Oh  !  I  did  not  think  of  that,"  sobbed  Mrs.  Colborn, 
"  Oh  !  this  strange  conduct  of  my  son  has  so  humbled 
me  that  I  can  not  meet  Lord  North  now." 

General  Colborn  extended  his  hand  to  Lord  North, 
which  was  received  with  that  ease  which  marked  a  gen- 
tleman of  the  old  school ;  and  MeHssa  endeavored  to 
assist  in  entertaining  her  future  father-in-law. 

"How  is  Mrs.  Colborn  ?"  asked  Lord  North,  "It 
is  some  time  since  I  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  her." 

"  To-day,"  answered  the  general,  "  she  has  been  quite 
indisposed,  but  generally  she  is  in  excellent  health." 

"  I  regret  to  hear  it,"  remarked  Lord  North,  "  I  have 
received  a  letter  from  my  son,  and  came  to  inform  you 
of  it." 

"  We  have  also  received  one,"  said  the  general,  wish- 
ing to  evade  a  question  upon  that  point." 

"  It  appears,"  said  Lord  North,  "  that  the  frigate  en- 
countered a  tremendous  storm,  a  short  time  after  sail- 
ing, and  ran  down  another  ship." 

"  Yes,"  said  Sir  William,  "  a  very  sad  affair;  but  the 
frigate  braved  it  nobly,"  and  he  fixed  his  eye  intently 
upon  Lord  North,  but  could  detect  nothing  in  his  coun- 
6 


106  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

tenance  that  showed  he  had  been  informed  of  William's 
weakness.     "  Our  sons,"   continued  he,    "  have  to   en- 
counter many  dangers  and  privations  at  sea,  and  when  ' 
they  are  at  home,  we  ought  to  do  all  we  can  to  make 
their  time  pass  pleasantly." 

"  My  abhorrence  of  the  sea,"  said  Lord  North,  "  and 
other  reasons,  have  caused  me  often  to  regret  that  I 
placed  my  son  in  that  branch  of  the  service,  and  I  have 
serious  intentions  of  taking  him  from  the  navy." 

"  But,"  said  Sir  Wilham,  "  it  is  a  very  honorable  and 
aristocratic  branch." 

"  Admitted ;  but  George  is  my  only  child,  and  if  he 
should  be  taken  from  me,  I  should  never  more  be 
happy." 

"  Then  you  do  not  think,"  said  the  general,  "  that  a 
man  is  just  as  safe  at  sea  as  on  shore,  or  abroad  as  at 
home." 

"  Not  by  any  means,"  answered  Lord  North. 

"  Then  you  do  not  believe  in  destiny,"  said  Sir 
Wilham. 

"  To  a  certain  extent.  I  am  of  opinion  that  one  must 
shun  danger  if  he  wishes  to  prolong  hfe,"  said  his  lord- 
ship. "  1  know  that  there  is  more  mortality  at  Eio,  in 
proportion  to  the  number  of  inhabitants,  than  at  Lon- 
don. How,  then,  can  it  be  as  safe  at  Eio  as  at  the  lat- 
ter place  ?" 

"  People  die  in  London,"  answered  the  general,  "  after 
having  lived  for  years  in  sickly  cities.  I  am  of  opinion 
we  have  onr  allotted  time  to  live,  and  then  we  die." 

"  I  can  not  see  it  so,"  said  Lord  North,  and  changed 
the  subject  to  the  crops,  their  prospects,  and  the  tenant- 
ry ;  and  then  their  conversation  had  reference  to  the 
new  administration  of  government,  and,  although,  wdien 
men  get  disputing  on  politics,  they  seldom  make  short 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  107 

work  of  it,  yet  in  this  instance  it  was  soon  wound  up. 
Lord  North  arose,  and  presenting  his  haml  to  Mehssa, 
begged  her  to  remember  him  to  her  mother,  and  bade 
her  adieu  ;  then,  accompanied  by  Sir  Wilham,  he  took 
a  short  walk  about  the  grounds,  entered  his  carriage, 
rode  do^vn  the  lawn,  and  from  Mount  Prospect. 


108  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


CHAPTEE    XIV. 

THE    ACT    OF    TYRANNY. 

Otaheite  and  the  surrounding  islands  "were  still 
brightened  by  a  tropical  sun ;  and  their  shores  were 
still  washed  by  the  great  Pacific's  blue,  clear,  and  briny 
waters.  The  forest  of  tall  cocoanut,  the  multitudinous 
branches  of  bread  fruit,  the  long  leaves  of  banana, 
plantain,  and  other  tropical  fruit  trees,  were  bowing  and 
waving  in  submission  to  the  steady  trade  wind  that 
perpetually  blows  across  these  latitudes  of  that  vast 
ocean. 

Numerous  and  various  tropical  fruits,  and  the  most 
luxuriant  vegetation,  still  grew,  at  all  seasons  of  the 
year. 

Myriads  of  beautiful  birds,  of  various  kinds  and  of 
different  sizes  and  colors,  flying  to  and  fro,  and  leaping 
from  limb  to  limb,  still  sung  sweetly,  re-echoing  their 
harmonious  strains,  from  tree  to  tree. 

The  numerous  fishes  still  swam  lazily  about  its  shores, 
and  as  if  partaking  of  the  lassitude  that  seems  to  charac- 
terize every  living  thing  in  the  warm  clime,  through  the 
Yjrystal  waters  could  be  seen  playing  around  the  rocks, 
or  through  and  beneath  the  coral  trees  that  stretch  their 
broad  branches  from  the  bottom,  and  thousands  of  hap- 
py people  still  live,  love,  and  continue  to  populate  x^hose 
beautiful  gardens  of  the  most  perfect  paradise  known 
in  modern  days ;  and  kneeling  lowly  in  thankfulness 
to  the  great  Giver  of  all  things,  for  that  plenty,  good 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  109 

health,  contentment  of  mind,  and  perfect  happiness  be- 
fore unprecedented  in  the  annals  of  the  history  of  na- 
tions, they  still  ask,  if  He  in  his  marvelous  goodness 
shall  see  fit,  for  a  continuation  of  the  same  great  bless- 
ings. 

Toono,  in  all  her  natural  loveliness,  sat  by  the  side  of 
her  dear  Harry.  The  house,  mats,  curtains,  guns,  and 
little  ornaments  remained  the  same  as  when  we  accom- 
panied them  over  hills,  through  forests,  deep  in  the  val- 
leys, or  over  the  blue  waters  that  washed  the  shores  of 
this  island  paradise.  No  great  change  of  importance 
had  taken  place  in  their  little  cabin,  more  than  is  quite 
natural  to  the  human  family.  A  fine,  plump  boy  played 
upon  the  mats,  and  ever  and  anon,  cast  his  black  eyes 
upon  his  father.  He  was  pretty  in  complexion,  between 
the  nut-brown  color  of  his  mother,  and  the  pure  white 
of  his  European  father,  with  just  tinge  enough  of  the 
former  to  please  many  admirers  of  beauty;  although 
for  me,  the  pure  white  skin,  with  rosy  cheeks  and  lips, 
is  preferable  to  any  other  style  of  complexion. 

"  I  fear,  dear  Toono,"  said  her  husband  thoughtfully, 
"that  our  long  enjoyment  of  so  much  bliss  is  soon  to 
'end  ;  or  at  least  to  be  interrupted." 

"  Why  so  ?  "  asked  Toono,  "  speak  quick,  for  your 
looks  indicate  some  dreadful  fear." 

"  I  have  been  told  by  Christian  to-day,  that  the  news 
of  the  mutiny  has  spread  throughout  England,  and 
that  the  government  has  taken  steps  for  our  arrest ;  in- 
deed, that  an  armed  vessel  is  already  on  her  way  to 
these  islands  for  that  purpose." 

"But  why  should  they  wish  to  arrest  yoie?  You 
are  doing  them  no  harm,  and  are  far  away  from 
England." 

"  To  bring  us  to  justice,"  replied  Harry,  "  and  make 


110  LIEUTENANT  COLBORX,' 

an  example  of  us,  for  the  general  good  of  the  nation." 
Such,  say  they,  is  their  object. 

"  Well,  let  them  come  !  "  said  Toono,  tossing  up  her 
beautifully  shaped  head,  in  a  defiant  manner.  "  Let 
them  come ;  but  they  can  never  find  you,  for  I  will  con- 
ceal you  in  so  deep  and  dark  a  dungeon,  that,  if  they 
enter  it,  they  will  not  be  able  to  find  their  way  out  in 
safety  again,"  and  muttering  a  bitter  imprecation  on  the 
Enoflish  for  darino^  to  meddle  with  the  affairs  of  these 
islands,  she  allowed  her  head  to  assume  its  former  po- 
sition. 

"Are  you  sure  jou  can  conceal  me  from  them,  and 
support  me  with  food  for  a  long  time  ?  "  asked  her 
husband,  "  for  they  will  stay  and  search  until  their  de- 
sign is  accomplished." 

"  I  am  sure  I  can,"  confidently  answered  his  wife. 

"  I  will  go  to  Christian,"  said  Harry,  "  and  ask  him 
all  about  this  expedition  against  us,"  and  immediately 
he  departed. 

As  he  entered  Christian's  cabin,  Torquil.  Stewart,  and 
Haywood  were  present,  all  indulging  in  a  game  at 
cards. 

"  Holloa  !  Harry ! "  exclaimed  Christian,  ''  glad  to  see 
you  ;  just  in  time  for  a  game, — sit  down  !  " 

Harry  obeyed,  and  joining  the  game,  he  asked  for 
news. 

"  News  ! "  exclaimed  Torquil  with  surprise ;  "  have 
you  not  heard  the  news  ?" 

"  I  have  not,  more  than  a  flying  report  that  the  gov- 
ernment is  about  to  send  out  a  force  to  capture  us." 

"  About  to  send  !"  cried  Torquil,  "  they  have  already 
sent,  and  yourself  and  your  dear  Toono  will,  no  doubt 
ere  long,  be  obhged  to  separate ;  for  it  appears  that 
they  are  determined  to  dissipate  our  happiness  by  hunt- 
ing us  from  this  island." 


OR  THE  DISTXHERITED. 


Ill 


«  "Where  did  you  get  the  information  ?"  asked  Harry, 
"there  has  been  no  vessel  here  of  late  that  could  have 
brought  it."  ^ 

"It  seems,"  said  Christian,  "that  a  whale  ship,  which 
touched  at  the  Windward  Island,  gave  currency  to  the 
report,  and  it  flew  from  island  to  island,  till  it  reached 
Otaheite." 

"  And  do  you  believe  it  is  true  ?  "  asked  Harry. 

"  We  do,"  answered  Christian,  "  for  it  is  reasonable. 
Captain  Bligh  and  others  having  arrived  in  England, 
are  living  witnesses  as  to  the  mutiny  of  the  Bounty, 
and  if  we  are  taken,  he  will  be  in  readiness  to  recog- 
nize us,  and  swear  away  our  lives." 

"  But  they  do  not  know  where  we  arc,"  said  Harry, 
hoping  if  possible  to  find  an  argument  to  refute  the  re- 
port. 

"  They  do,  though,"  said  Haywood,  "  for  did  we  not 
unwisely  shout,  huzza  for  Otaheite  !  when  we  set  them 
adrift  in  the  boat  ?  -And  besides  they  were  aware  of 
our  dear  attachments  on  this  island." 

"  And  that's  not  all,"  said  Stewart,  "  for  several  ves- 
sels have  called  here  since  that  time,  and  their  oflicers 
and  crews  having  seen  us,  of  course  reported  the  same 
when  they  arrived  in  Europe." 

"  Then  you  are  of  opinion,  we  may  expect  an  unwel- 
come visitor  here  before  long  ?"  asked  Harry. 

"  We  are,  and,"  said  Christian,  "  as  there  is  a  jeal- 
ousy existing  among  the  island  chiefs,  which  extends  to- 
wards us,  our  capture  would  be  almost  certain." 

"  Our  wives  could  conceal  us,"  said  Harry. 

"  But  when  the  chiefs,"  observed  Christian,  "who  are 
enemies  to  our  wives,  shall  join  the  Englisli  in  search- 
ing, we  shall  be  discovered  and  taken." 

"  Toono,"  said  Harry,  "  knows  of  places  of  conceal- 


112  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

ment  that  are  so  perfectly  secret  that  I  never  shall  be 
found." 

"  I  hope  you  may  be  so  fortunate,"  said  Christian, 
'  and  you  may  well  suppose  that  I  shall  exert  myself 
with  my  utmost  ability  for  the  same  purpose." 

"  And  all  of  us,"  said  the  others. 

"  Our  arms  and  ammunition  are  as  good  as  ever,"  re- 
marked Torquil,  "  can  we  not  defend  ourselves  ? — we 
would  be  assisted  by  the  natives." 

"  I  think  we  should  use  our  weapons  only  as  a  last 
resort,"  said  Harry,  "  and  even  then,  I  do  not  think  we 
can  beat  them  off,  although  we  should  be  assisted  by 
the  natives ;  but  I  must  go,  so  I'll  throw  up  my  hand. 
Call  and  see  us,  and  don't  be  strangers,"  and  he  bound- 
ed back  to  his  cabin. 

"  It  is  singular,"  said  Christian,  "  that  Hany  will 
never  leave  Toono  long  enough  to  play  a  game  at 
cards :  how  uneasy  he  was  to  get  away,  and  would  not 
remain  to  finish  the  game." 

"  He  loves  her  dearly,"  said  another,  "  and  his  love  is 
returned." 

"  I  do  not  think  any  of  us  can  complain,  for  our  wives 
are  very  affectionate,"  said  Stewart. 

They  were  here  interrupted  by  a  cry  of  "  Sail,  ho  !" 
from  a  native  ;  and  the  cry  was  echoed  from  hut  to  hut. 

They  jumped  from  the  cabin,  leaving  the  cards  scat- 
tered on  the  mat. 

"  Where  is  she  ?"  they  cried,  as  they  rushed  to  the 
landing. 

"  She  is  seen  from  yonder  hill,"  was  the  reply,  and  on 
they  ran  through  the  forests.  Harry  and  Toono  were 
already  there. 

A  tall  ship  was  descried  from  the  hill  sailing  towards 
the  island.  They  watched  her  approach  with  restless 
anxiety. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  113 

"  She  is  a  frigate,"  said  Harry' mournfully. 

"  She  is  not,"  said  Christian,  "or  I'm  no  seaman;  but 
a  large  merchantman,  bound  in  here  for  supplies." 

"  I  think  so,  too,"  said  Haywood. 

"  I  hope  you  are  correct,  my  friends,"  said  Torquil, 
"  in  pronouncing  her  a  merchantman,  but  I  fear  she  is 
a  man-of-war, —  to  me  she  appears  like  one  of  that  class 
of  ships." 

"  I  am  of  your  opinion,"  joined  Harry,  "  for  we  have 
never  seen  a  merchant  ship  at  this  island  half  so  large." 

The  ship  now  came  near  the  island,  and  bearing  away 
along  the  coast,  exposed  her  side  to  view.  As  great 
numbers  of  men  were  seen  on  deck,  and  in  the  tops,  it 
was  decided  at  once  that  she  really  was  a  ship-of-war. 
She  sailed  along  the  coast,  until  reaching  the  harbor  of 
Babadae,  where  she  reduced  her  canvas  and  entered. 
Having  come  to  and  anchored,  hundreds  of  canoes 
surrounded  her.  She  proved  to  be  the  Race  Horse. 
Her  commander  having  landed  in  a  friendly  manner,  re- 
quested to  hold  an  interview  with  the  king  and  his 
principal  chiefs.  His  request  having  been  granted,  he 
made  known  to  them  that  his  object  in  coming  to  the 
island  was  to  arrest  the  mutineers  of  the  ill-fated  Boun- 
ty for  the  purpose  of  carrying  them  to  England. 

"  It  has  been  reported,"  continued  the  commander, 
"  that  they  are  living  on  this  island,  and  as  a  friendly 
relation  exists  between  your  people  and  my  country- 
men, I  respectfully  demand  their  surrender." 

Those  of  the  chiefs  whose  daughters  had  become 
wives  of  the  mutineers,  exchanged  meaning  glances, 
and  when  the  commander  had  fully  made  known  his 
commission,  they  testified  their  disapprobation  of  his 
object.  A  dispute  hereupon  arose  among  the  chiefs. 
Several  wanted  the  mutineers  surrendered  immediately; 
6* 


114  LIEUTENANT  COLBORX, 

but  by  far  the  greater  portion  \Yere  bitterly  opposed  to 
such  proceedings. 

The  king  was  inclined  to  take  the  part  of  the  muti- 
neers, and  he  gave  instructions  to  the  interpreter  to  say 
to  the  commander,  that,  under  the  existing  circumstan- 
ces, he  did  not  think  he  was  under  obligations  to  make 
many  of  the  daughters  of  his  most  powerful  chiefs  and 
people  wretched,  by  complying  with  such  demands. 

"  I  have  peremptory  orders  from  my  government,"  re- 
turned the  commander,  '•'  and  must  therefore  take  steps 
to  execute  them;"  and  as  he  spoke,  he  assumed  an  ar- 
rogant air,  and  bowing  stiffly,  left  the  assembled  chiefs 
and  returned  to  the  frigate. 

Mild  means  were  first  used  to  obtain  possession  of 
the  persons  of  the  mutineers,  but  without  effect,  as 
their  wives  had  powerful  friends  among  the  natives. 
The  frigate's  boats  manned  with  armed  men,  were  now 
sent  to  the  shore  for  the  purpose  of  capturing  the  muti- 
neers l>y  force. 

The  sun  shone  upon  the  rich  uniforms,  the  brightly 
polished  side-arms  of  the  soldiers,  and  the  bristling  bay-- 
onets  of  the  marines,  as  they  disembarked  in  military 
order,  filling  the  natives  with  fear  and  astonishment. 

"  They  come  !  they  come  !"  shrieked  Toouo,  and  with 
a  determined  voice,  calling  upon  her  husband  to  follow 
her,  she  rushed  from  the  houses  and  entered  the  forest, 
turning  her  head  first  on  one  side,  then  on  the  other ; 
searching  with  her  dark  eyes  every  space,  path,  hill, 
cavity,  plain,  hollow,  tree,  and  thicket,  as  if  she  feared 
to  see  the  crew  of  the  frigate  start  from  every  place 
that  offered  concealment,  and  tear  her  heart's  dearest 
object  from  her  forever.  Danger  to  her  partner,  hatred 
to  his  pnrsuers,  and  the  spirit  of  revenge  had  thorough- 
ly aroused  the  haughty  passions  in  her  heart,  and  her 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  115 

rich  blood  flashed  through  her  veins,  mounting  to  her 
pretty  face  so  profusely  as  to  show  crimson  through 
her  nut-brown  complexion,  and  gave  her  a  degree  of 
energy,  alertness,  and  activity  she  never  before  had 
shown. 

She  ran  so  fast  that  Harry  could,  with  the  greatest 
difficult}^,  keep  pace  wnth  her.  On  they  proceeded 
through  forests  and  across  the  plain,  and  ascended  the 
hillxthat  overlooked  the  distant  harbor  and  tall  frigate. 

They  looked  in  vain  for  their  pursuers,  but  the  sound 
of  discharging  musketry  told  plainly  that  a  fight  was 
going  on  between  the  boats'  crews  and  his  comrades. 

"  Foolish,  stupid  men  !  "  cried  Harry,  "  to  resist,  when 
they  must  know  that  resistance  is  certain  ruin,  and  that 
their  only  chance  is  concealment." 

"  Come  on  now,"  cried  Toono,  "  when  we  arrive  at 
our  journey's  end  you  can  have  rest  enough  ;  and  plant- 
ing upon  his  pale  lips  a  kiss,  she  bounded  off  again, 
while  he,  exerting  every  nerve,  followed  after  her. 

She  having  turned  a  hill,  descended  a  dark  cavity, 
several  hundred  feet,  until  she  came  to  a  place  where 
it  branched  off  into  several  passages.  She  took  his 
hand,  and  penetrated  its  inmost  recesses.  At  last  they 
fell  on  their  hands  and  knees,  crept  through  a  narrow 
gallery,  and  came  out  into  a  spacious  room,  formed  by 
nature  as  it  were,  for  a  place  of  concealment. 

Toono  lighted  a  taper,  and  a  comfortable  scene  was 
displayed. 

•  The  floor  had  been  matted  and  adjusted  by  Toono's 
own  hands.  Yams,  bread-fruit,  cocoa-nuts,  and  other 
kinds  of  food,  were  stowed  in  the  rooms  in  abundance, 
and  a  large  vessel  containing  water  stood  beside  them. 
The  arms  and  ammunition  that  Harry  had  brought  from 
the  Bounty,  with  other  articles,  completed  the  useful 
furnishing  of  that  deep,  dark  cave. 


116  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  Now,  dear  Harry,"  said  Toono,  joyfully,  "  you  are 
safe ;  they  cannot  find  you  here.  But  I  must  return 
and  bring  our  boy,  then  for  three  long  months  we  may 
not  see  the  light  of  day ;  for  let  our  enemies  search,  they 
will  but  search  in  vain.  Should  I  not  come  back  soon, 
do  not  fear  ;  but  remain  here  quietly."  She  clasped  him 
fondly  to  her  throbbing  heart ;  planted  one  long,  Hnger- 
ing  kiss  upon  his  lips,  and  left  him.  She  hurried  back 
towards  her  cabin  after  her  child ;  but  on  nearing  it, 
saw  with  alarm  several  armed  Englishmen  loitering 
about  the  door,  and  others  farther^  on  among  the  ba- 
nana trees  that  waved  their  tops  far  above  its  lowly  roof. 
Pearing  for  the  safety  of  her  child,  she  rushed  to  the 
door,  but  as  she  was  about  to  enter,  she  was  recognized 
and  seized  by  the  guards,  who  she  was  told  had  orders 
to  convey  her  on  board  the  frigate,  unless  she  would  dis- 
close the  hiding  place  of  her  husband. 

"  Come,  pretty  one,  where's  your  husband  ?"  demand- 
ed an  officer  of  marines  in  a  gruff  tone. 

"  Why  do  you  seize  the  person  of  a  princess  of  this 
island  ?     Where  is  my  child  ?  "  demanded  she. 

"  I  know  all  about  you,"  said  the  officer,  "  your  coun- 
trymen have  informed  us." 

Toono  gave  a  deep-drawn  sigh  at  this  sad  intelli- 
gence. 

""We  arrest  you,"  continued  the  officer,  "to  compel 
you  to  disclose  the  hiding  place  of  your  husband.  As 
for  your  child,  it  is  in  the  hut  there,"  and  calling  to  one 
inside,  the  child  was  brought  out  to  its  mother. 

As  she  took  the  boy  in  her  arms,  and  kissed  him,  a 
certain  air  of  satisfaction  appeared  to  be  manifest  in  her 
beautiful  features ;  and  turning  to  the  officer,  she  asked 
in  a  determined  manner,  if  she  was  at  liberty  to  go. 

"  Not  by  any  means,"  answered  the  officer,  who  pos- 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  117 

sessed  all  the  brutality  of  a  new-made  policeman,  "  you 
are  our  prisoner,  and  must  continue  to  be  so,  until  you 
direct  us  to  your  husband ;  but  the  moment  you  do  that, 
you  shall  be  set  at  liberty." 

"  You  have  no  right  to  make  me  a  prisoner/'  said 
Toono,  "  and  I  repeat  that  you  must  instantly  set  me  at 
liberty,  or  my  countrymen  will  avenge  the  insult." 

"Come  along!"  said  the  officer,  "  come,  my  pretty 
princess,  you  must  go  with  us,  unless  you  instantly 
agree  to  disclose  the  place  of  your  husband's  conceal- 
ment.    Will  you  do  it  ?  " 

"  I  wnll  not,"  she  cried.  "  Do  what  jon  will ;  enact 
all  the  cruelties  3'ou  can  ;  but  I'll  not  betray  the  hiding 
place  of  him  I  love." 

"  Come  along,  then  !  "  and  they  forced  her  from  her 
home,  through  the  forests,  towards  the  water,  while  hund- 
reds of  cowardly  Kanakas  looked  on,  but  refused  to 
listen  to  her  cries  for  assistance,  having  become  intimi- 
dated by  the  sound  of  their  fire-arms.  She  was  dragged 
to  the  boat  with  others  that  were  wives  of  mutineers, 
and  conveyed  on  board  the  frigate.  As  these  poor 
creatures  appeared  alongside  the  ship,  the  officers  and 
crew  gazed  at  them  from  over  the  rails,  or  through  open 
ports ;  and  w'hen  they  ascended  the  deck,  they  became 
frightened  by  being  in  the  presence  of  so  many  men, 
and  strangers  too ;  and  also  at  the  sight  of  the  large 
guns  that  composed  the  batteries  of  the  Race  Horse's 
upper  gun  deck,  and  began  to  cry,  and  begged  to  be 
allowed  to  return  to  the  shore.  The  first  lieutenant 
having  scanned  them,  walked  away,  not  wishing  {o  fur- 
ther witness  such  an  affecting  scene. 

They  were  conducted  below,  and  confined  under 
guard ;  having  been  told  that  unless  they  were  willing 
to  disclose  the  places  of  concealment  of  their  husbands, 


118  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

they  were  to  be  convej^ed  to  England  in-  the  ship,  and 
there  to  be  tortured. 

The  commander  of  the  guard  was  a  brute  just  fitted 
for  his  position,  and  seemed  to  take  a  pride  in  holding 
in  confinement  these  poor  women;  although  it  would 
have  been  difficult  for  any  person  to  prove  aught  crim- 
inal against  them,  unless  it  be  a  crime  for  a  wife  to  love 
and  defend  her  husband.  "  Are  you  willing,"  said  the 
oflficer  in  a  rough  voice,  "  to  disclose  the  hiding  places 
of  the  mutineers  of  the  Bounty,  who  it  seems  have  the 
name  of  being  a  kind  of  husbands  or  lovers  to  you  ?" 

A  degree  of  scorn  played  over  the  lips  of  the  virtuous 
females,  but  as  yet  none  spoke.  At  length,  Toono, 
touched  to  think  her  virtue  had  been  questioned  by  the 
brute,  exclaimed  in  a  sarcastic  manner,  "  Sir !  these 
Englishmen  are  our  husbands  by  the  laws  of  Otaheite, 
as  well  as  by  the  laws  of  Grod ;  and  if  our  marriage  ties 
diffei'  from  those  of  your  country,  they  are  no  less  sa- 
cred.    And  you  have  no  right  thus  to  so  insult  us." 

But  this  had  no  effect  upon  the  hardened  mind  of 
the  officer,  and  he  contrived  to  make  tantalizing  remarks, 
stating  that  they  would  be  whipped  and  otherwise  pun- 
ished at  sea,  and  never  allowed  to  return  to  Otaheite 
again. 

The  cruel  conduct  of  the  brute  so  wounded  the  feel- 
ings of  the  poor  women,  that  they  burst  into  tears,  and 
kneeling  upon  the  deck,  appealed  in  earnest  orisons  to 
their  gods  for  protection. 

I  can  not  here  forbear  making  a  few  remarks  upon 
the  tyrannical  and  unjust  manner  with  which  the  Brit- 
ish government  is  in  the  habit  of  treating  weaker  na- 
tions, apparently  upon  the  principle  that  might  makes 
right.  Numerous  instances  in  many  parts  of  the  world 
might  be  cited  of  this,  either  of  which  ought  to  be  suf- 
ficient to  damn  her  to  everlasting  infamy,  in  the  mind 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  119 

of  every  honorable  man.  India  was  taken  npon  the 
shallowest  pretenses,  and  from  the  governorship  of  Lord 
Clive  down  to  Canning,  a  course  of  continual  plunder  and 
extortion  has  been  enacted. 

But  a  more  recent  instance  is  in  point,  —  I  refer  to 
the  unjust  theft  of  Oude,  —  the  property  of  the  citizens 
of  which,  excepting  in  six  cases,  was  confiscated  ;  and 
the  king  held  in  captivity  at  Calcutta,  all,  because  they 
had  committed  the  awful  crime  of  defending  their  lives, 
homes,  and  property.  For  this  they  were  pronounced 
rebels. 

Eebels  !  to  whom  ?  "Why,  to  England  !  because  they 
dared  to  defend  their  own.  Self-defense  and  self-pres- 
ervation are  among  the  first  great  laws  of  nature. 
All  men  have  held,  and  still  hold,  to  these  rights. 

A  nation,  insulted  and  threatened,  places  itself  at  the 
earliest  opportunity  in  a  state  of  defense. 

A  citizen  possessing  wealth  will  spend  it  all  to  de- 
fend himself  and  family  from  harm. 

The  aged  man,  tottering  upon  the  brink  of  the  grave, 
his  hair  bleached  with  the  ravages  of  time,  his  weakened 
frame  supported  by  crutches,  if  attacked,  will  indignant- 
ly turn  upon  his  assailant,  and  with  his  trembling  hand, 
defend  himself.  The  innocent  child,  whose  time  in  this 
wicked  world  has  been  too  limited  to  have  any  knowl- 
edge of  vice — who  seems  as  if  possessing  no  power  but 
to  love  and  cry  —  will  if  imposed  upon,  as  sometimes 
happens  when  children  are  left  together,  do  all  it  can 
to  protect  itself  from  harm. 

The  beggar  in  rags,  degraded  even  to  the  lowest 
depths  of  poverty  and  distress,  will  cast  a  look  of  de- 
fiance upon  the  man  who  injures  him,  and  lift  in  anger 
his  hand  to  defend  his  wretched  life. 

There  are  none  so  rich,  none  so  poor,  none  so  civil- 


120  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

izecl,  and  none  so  savage,  but  \Yill  defend  themselves  ; 
and  no  just  laws  will  deprive  them  of  the  right  of  so 
doing.  But  England  denies  that  right  when  it  inter- 
feres with  her  grand  schemes  of  plunder. 

Many  of  the  principal  Rajahs  of  India  have  been 
hanged  by  her  on  the  old  plea  of  being  rebellious  to  the 
crown,  but  the  grand  reason  in  each  instance  has  plain- 
ly been  to  obtain  their  immense  wealth.  Thousands  of 
their  subjects  in  turn  have  been  unceremoniously 
dragged  from  their  homes  and  families,  and  shipped 
off  to  the  Andaman  Islands,  many  hundred  miles  from 
their  country,  there  to  remain,  cruelly  imprisoned  for 
life ;  and  all  for  having  committed  the  heinous  offense 
of  defending  their  homes  against  foreign  invasion  ! 

And  what  makes  the  matter  still  more  unjust  is  that 
they  are  treated  thus  in  opposition  to  the  laws  of  all 
civilized  nations ;  for  these  laws  demand  the  release  of 
prisoners  at  the  termination  of  hostilities.  Englishmen 
talk  of  American  slavery  !  Good  Heaven !  All  the 
faults  of  every  nation  in  existence  can  not  begin  to  be 
half  so  unjust  as  England's  heinous  acts  towards  the 
poor  natives  of  Hindostan.  When  Xapoleon  caused 
the  Englishmen  captured  while  bearing  arms  against 
him  in  battle  to  be  shot,  English  historians  termed  the 
act  murderous,  and  thus  sought  to  injure  the  name  of 
their  great  but  unfortunate  enem}^ ;  well  knowing  that 
their  generals  were  not  equal  to  him  in  the  field,  nor 
their  statesmen  equal  to  him  in  the  cabinet. 

Yet  the  wholesale  butcheries  of  the  inhabitants  of 
Delhi,  Lucknow.  and  other  provinces  of  India  are  cov- 
ered over  and  smoothed  down  with  the  pretense  that 
they  were  rebels ! 

Oh  !  the  inconsistency  of  that  great  nation,  that  boasts 
of  having  liberated,  civilized,  and  christianized  the  world! 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  121 

We  Americans  extend  our  hospitalities  freely  to  the 
open-hearted  Irishman ;  the  peaceable  German ;  the 
excitable  Frenchman ;  and  the  revengeful  Spaniard ; 
giving  our  daughters,  and  taking  theirs  in  marriage, 
thereby  developing  without  doubt,  the  greatest  people 
in  existence.  We  share  with  them  our  suffrages ;  and 
they  become  good  and  patriotic  Americans ;  casting  to 
the  four  winds  their  droit  d'  ainesse.  But  not  so  with 
Englishmen;  our  exertions  and  generosity  are  uselessly 
thrown  away,  in  endeavoring  to  fraternally  connect 
them  to  ourselves  and  country,  and  unite  them  to  us 
by  business,  marriage,  religion,  and  other  powerful  ties ; 
yet  they  love  monarchy !  yet  they  cry,  God  save  the 
Queen  ! 


122  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


CHAPTEE    XV. 

THE    REGRET. 

Toono  and  the  other  prisoners  were  ushered  on  deck, 
on  the  day  after  the  capture,  mto  the  presence  of  the 
captain  and  first  heutenant. 

At  the  sight  of  these  two  dignified  personages,  the 
hearts  of  the  poor  women  sank  within  thera,  as  they 
supposed  they  were  to  receive  still  greater  insults  than 
had  been  given  them  by  the  marine  officer.  They  were 
not  aware  that  there  are  many  gentlemen,  as  well  as 
brutes,  and  that  the  two  before  them  were  of  the  form- 
er class. 

"  Lead  that  one  forward  !  "  said  the  captain,  pointing 
to  Christian's  wife,  "  we  wiU  question  her  first." 

"Is  Fletcher  Christian  your  husband?"  demanded 
the  captain,  in  a  kind  manner. 

"  He  is,"  answered  the  woman,  and  burst  into  tears. 

"  Is  he  on  this  island  ?" 

"  That  question  I  cannot  answer,"  she  replied. 

"  But  you  are  my  prisoner." 

"  Not  by  right." 

"  Will  you  not  inform  me  by  what  means  I  may  ob- 
tain possession  of  the  mutineers  ?" 

"  I  can  not,"  she  answered,  "  for  by  so  doing,  I  should 
bring  destruction  upon  my  husband." 

"  Lead  up  another ;  "  and  Toono  was  next  placed 
before  him. 

"  By  my  fate  !  "  exclaimed  the  first  lieutenant,  "  the 
fellow  who  is  her  husband,  has  made  a  good  selection." 


\ 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  123 

"  "Who  is  your  husband  ?  "  demanded  the  captain. 

"  Harry,"  she  answered,  "  and  your  appearance  here 
has  disturbed  our  happiness." 

"  I  presume  so,"  said  the  captain,  smiling. 

"  Which  is  certainly  wrong,  sir,"  said  she. 

"  Is  your  husband  on  this  island  ?  " 

Toono  cast  upon  him  a  look  of  independence,  and 
firmly,  yet  respectfully  said  :  "  If  your  \^^fe  were  sought 
by  enemies,  would  you  be  the  means  of  her  destruc- 
tion, by  making  known  her  place  of  concealment?" 

The  captain  and  first  lieutenant  exchanged  meaning 
glances,  as  much  as  to  say — "  A  noble  woman  this." 

Toono's  bright,  black  eyes  were  fixed  intently  on  the 
captain ;  but  she  looked  in  vain  for  his  answer. 

Another  and  another  were  questioned,  with  no  better 
eSect.  All  were  true  to  the  love  and  faithfulness  they 
had  sworn  to  observe  to  their  hidden  husbands. 

"  Conduct  them  below  again,"  said  the  captain  ;  "  no 
information  can  be  obtained  from  such  true  women." 

As  she  entered  the  dark  room  and  heard  the  cross 
tones  of  the  marine  ofiicer,  the  heart  of  Toono  sank 
within  her  again,  as  she  now  came  to  the  conclusion 
that  they  were  to  be  separated  from  their  husbands 
and  country  forever.  But  a  friend,  one  of  no  small 
influence,  although  a  stranger,  was  nearer  than  she 
knew. 

"  Captain,"  said  the  first  lieutenant,  "  I  do  not  think 
we  shall  ever  obtain  any  information  concerning  the 
mutineers  from  these  females." 

"  I  fear  we  shall  not,  sir,"  was  the  reply,  "  they  seem 
determined  to  keep  secret,  their  places  of  concealment." 

"I  am  really  touched  to  hear  the  poor  things  mourn," 
said  Colborn,  "and  truly  wish  they  were  out  of  the 
ship." 


124  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  We  will  liberate  them,  then,"  said  the  captain — "  it 
is  no  credit  to  ourselves,  or  to  our  flag,  that  harmless 
women  are  confined  on  board  the  frigate.  Set  them  at 
liberty  at  once,  sir,  and  see  they  are  safely  conveyed  on 
shore." 

"  Aye,  a3^e,  sir,"  pleasantly  answered  Colborn,  and 
bowing  to  the  commander,  he  hurried  to  give  the  neces- 
sary orders. 

"  Thank  fortune,  they  are  free  again,"  said  Colborn 
to  himself,  as  he  watched  the  boat  which  conveyed  the 
prisoners  to  the  shore,  receding  from  the  ship. 

Harry  had  waited  in  anxious  expectation  for  the  ar- 
rival of  his  wife  and  child ;  but,  as  they  did  -not  come, 
he  concluded  she  had  been  arrested,  and  therefore  gave 
up  all  hopes  of  seeing  her  again  for  some  time.  In  a 
lonely  and  dejected  state  of  mind,  he  threw  himself 
upon  the  matted  floor,  in  the  farther  side  of  the  cave, 
when  suddenly  a  slight  rustling  attracted  his  attention, 
and  Toono  immediately  sprang  towards  him,  and  em- 
bracing each  other,  they  forgot,  for  the  time,  the  dan- 
gers that  hovered  around  them. 

But  Toono  had  been  watched  by  a  well  paid  Kanaka 
\vho  followed  her,  and  saw  her  entering  the  cave. 
>  The  traitor  immediately  repaired  on  board  the  frigate, 
and  reported  the  same  to  the  commander ;  and  orders 
were  issued  to  have  in  readiness  a  strong  force  on  the 
following  morning,  to  search  the  place  pointed  out. 
The  expedition  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  second 
lieutenant;  and  as  the  place  of  concealment  was  so  far 
from  the  frigate,  it  was  deemed  advisable  to  send  a 
large  force,  particularly  as  several  of  the  chiefs  had 
already  evinced  a  disposition  to  defend  their  rights 
against  what  they  termed  actual  invasion,  by  force  of 
arms.     Accordingly  a  body  of  a  hundred  men,  compris- 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  125 

ing  a  division  of  soldiers  and  one  of  marines,  were 
conveyed  from  the  frigate  in  three  large  boats.  They 
proceeded  along  the  west  coast  of  the  island  for  a  con- 
siderable distance,  and  entered  a  small  bay,  to  effect  a 
safe  landing,  free  from  the  surf  that  the  continued  swell 
of  the  ocean  causes  upon  these  shores.  They  disem- 
barked in  safety,  and  following  the  traitorous  guide, 
marched  over  the  hills  and  through  the  forests  until 
they  reached  the  path  that  led  to  the  entrance  of  the 
cave. 

Alas  !  for  the  unsuspecting  Harry  and  his  wife  ! 
Bribery  had  triumphed  over  honor, —  as  it  has  often 
done,  and  the  military  tread  of  the  band  fell  heavily 
upon  the  ears  of  the  peaceable  inmates  of  the  cave.  The 
entrance  was  soon  reached  and  surrounded  by  the  as- 
-sailants.  The  guide,  followed  by  half  a  dozen  armed 
seamen,  entered  the  dark  passage,  and,  lighted  by  a 
lantern,  they  groped  their  way  along.  As  their  voices 
echoed  and  reverberated  among  the  thousand  gaheries 
and  chambers  of  the  rocky  cave,  and  as  they  felt  the 
chill  of  the  damp  rocks,  deep  in  the  bowels  of  the  earth, 
the  generous-hearted  seam'fen  half  regretted  having 
come  to  arrest  one  of  their  own  dass,  and  a  country- 
man, too,  who  had  been  so  unfortunate  as  to  have  to 
conceal  himself  in  such  a  doleful  and  uncomfortable 
dungeon.  But  they  had  a  duty  to  perform,  and  they 
followed  on  after  the  Kanaka.  Harry,  perfectly  calm, 
sat  waiting  their  approach,  a  loaded  and  cocked 
musket  resting  across  a  rock  and  against  his  shoulder, 
pointing  directly  to  the  entrance  of  the  small  passage 
that  led  from  the  main  and  larger  space  to  the  apart- 
ment he  occupied.  Toono  stood  beside  him,  holding 
a  musket  in  readiness  to  pass  to  him  the  instant  he 
should  fire  the  first,  and  by  his  side  was  a  cutlass,  ready 
for  use. 


126  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  Some  cowardl}^  Kanaka,"  she  cried,  "  has  betrayed 
us,  for  none  other  would  have  found  this  cave." 

At  this  instant,  the  form  of  the  guide  groping  along 
the  passage  became  distinctly  visible  by  the  light  he 
carried,  and  in  him  Toono  recognized  a  bitter  enemy. 

"  It  is  as  I  thought,"  she  cried,  "  he  is  the  bitterest 
enemy  of  my  father  and  our  family." 

"  Then  take  that,"  said  Harry,  as  he  pulled  the  trig- 
ger of  the  Ausket. 

The  ball  entered  his  brain,  and  the  traitor  fell  hfeless 
before  the  man  whose  life  he  was  so  wilhug  to  sacri- 
fice. 

"  Stand  back  !  "  cried  the  foremost  sailor  to  his  com- 
panion, "  there's  shooting  going  on  here." 

"  Never  fear,  shipmates  and  countrymen,"  cried  Har- 
ry, "  I  shall  not  fire  on  you,  although  I  have  guns  and 
ammunition  in  abundance.  Now  that  I  have  shot  the 
Kanaka  guide,  I  am  satisfied." 

Toono,  astonished  to  find  that  her  husband  would  no 
longer  resist,  and  having  no  idea  of  allowing  him  to  be 
snatched  away  from  her,  suddenly  placed  her  hand 
upon  his  shoulder,  and  in  ii  low,  but  determined  voice, 
said,  "  Follow  me ! "  He  turned,  and  obeying,  they 
passed  through  a  long,  narrow,  crooked  passage.  It 
was  of  sufficient  height,  but  so  narrow  that  they  were 
obliged  to  pass  sideways.  After  pushing  on  for  some 
time  they  reached  a  place  scarcely  three  feet  high. 
Toono  immediately  stooped  down  and  entered,  while 
he,  holding  fast  to  her  loose  tappa  dress,  followed. 

After  progressing  for  some  time  in  this  manner,  they 
at  length  reached  a  more  roomy  passage,  and  proceeded 
more  rapidly.  On,  on  they  hurried,  when  suddenly 
they  emerged  from  the  passage  into  a  thick  forest  of 
cocoa-nut  trees.     They  penetrated  its  thickest  recesses, 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  127 

and  concealed  themselves  in  an  old  uninhabited  hut. 
Here  Toono  took  from  her  bosom  a  package  containing 
pulverized  bark,  which  being  mixed  with  water,  became 
the  color  of  her  race.  With  this  she  stained  him ;  then 
she  powdered  his  hair ;  and  having  tied  the  habiliment 
of  a  native  around  his  waist,  walked  oflf  to  view  him. 

"  I  declare,"  she  exclaimed,  "  the  disguise  is  perfect ; 
I  would  not  know  you  myself  from  a  Kanaka !" 

In  a  short  time  many  of  the  frigate's  crew  rushed 
through  the  forest,  and  passed  them  by,  as  they  left  the 
hut,  but  did  not  recognize  him  as  a  European.  Hav- 
ing reached  the  shore,  the  fugitives  entered  a  canoe, 
and  quietly  proceeded  to  the  islet  of  Eimeo  —  their  old 
and  often  frequented  pleasure  spot  —  hoping  to  ensure 
that  safety  Otaheite  refused  to  afford. 

For  the  night  they  were  safe,  as  no  armed  men  or 
boats  disturbed  their  slumbers,  and  using  the  ground 
for  a  bed,  the  branch  of  a  tree  for  a  pillow,  and  the 
canopy  of  Heaven  for  a  covering,  they  reposed  in  si- 
lence. But  on  the  following  day,  two  armed  boats  put 
off  from  the  frigate,  and  making  towards  Eimeo,  told 
plainly  that  no  safety  remained  for  them  even  there. 
The  boat  reached  the  islet.  What  was  to  be  done  ? 
Toono  looked  around  in  silence.  "  Eemain  quiet,"  said 
she,  at  length,  "  I  do  not  think  they  will  know  you  in 
your  disguise." 

They  landed,  and  twenty  armed  seamen  walked  up 
the  hill  to  where  they  sat.  Harry  gave  a  deep-drawn 
sigh,  and  whispered,  "  It's  all  up  now^,  I  shall  be  taken." 

"  Not  yet,"  whispered  Toono,  "  speak  not  a  word  in 
English,  and  you  are  safe." 

"  Halloa  !  my  httle  be^ty,"  exclaimed  the  officer  in 
command,  "  any  of  the  mutineers  on  this  islet  ?  " 

"  No,  sir,  I  think  not,"  replied  she,  "  for  I  see  no  place 
for  their  concealment." 


128  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  TVe  shall  satisfy  ourselves,"  remarked  the  officer, 
and  the  party  moved  on  past  them,  while  Harry  trem- 
bled with  fear,  supposing  they  must  recognize  him.  "  I 
must  be  disguised  most  perfectly,"  said  Harry,  after  the 
party  had  left. 

"  I  told  you  so  before,"  said  Toono. 

Harry's  heart  beat  violently  as  they  again  approached; 
but  they  re-passed  without  disturbing  him,  and  firing 
muskets  into  every  hole  and  cavity  of  sufficient  size  to 
contain  a  man,  returned  to  their  boats,  fully  satisfied 
that  no  mutineers  were  on  that  islet,  and  after  returning 
to  the  frigate,  they  so  reported. 

On  this  little  islet,  Harry  and  Toono  remained  in 
comparative  safety  for  several  weeks,  although  the  search 
for  him  had  been  continued  on  the  islands  all  that  time. 
Meanwhile  they  had  succeeded  in  finding  or  destroying 
all  of  Harry's  comrades,  including  Christian  himself. 
At  length,  the  commander  of  the  frigate  being  well  sat- 
isfied that  his  crew  had  annihilated  all  of  the  mutineers 
on  the  island  of  Otaheite,  deemed  it  advisable  to  go  to 
the  Windward  Islands,  there  to  continue  the  search, 
for  unless  he  destroyed  or  arrested  them  all,  he  would 
not  be  fulfilling  the  orders  of  his  government. 

To  the  inexpressible  relief  of  Toono  and  her  husband, 
they  saw  the  Race  Horse  get  under  way,  and  proceed 
to  sea.  "  She's  gone  !  she's  gone  away  to  England," 
cried  Toono  in  transport,  clinging  to  her  husband,  and 
weeping  for  very  joy.  "  Oh  !  that  no  one  may  ever  be 
obliofed  to  undergo  the  dreadful  torments  I  have  for 
the  last  four  months  sufiiered.  But  now  let  us  go  to 
our  home,  and  again  settle  down  in  our  former  state  of 
happiness."  She  smiled  happy;  and  he  caressed  her 
fondly ;  and  they  forgot  the  many  dangers  that  had  so 
lately  hovered  around  them. 

They  leaped  into  the  canoe,  splashed  the  blue  waters 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  129 

again  \Yith  their  paddles,  and  sped  on  towards  their 
home  at  Otaheite.  As  they  leaped  on  shore,  —  he  the 
only  one  remaining  of  the  mutineers,  and  she  the  only 
happy  one  of  all  their  chosen  partners,  — they  were  joy- 
fully received  by  their  friends,  and  conducted  in  triumph 
to  their  cabin. 

"  We  have  succeeded  in  killing  nearly  all  of  those  in- 
human pirates,"  said  North  to  the  first  lieutenant  the 
night  following  their  sailing  from  Otaheite,  as  the  frigate 
was  beating  against  the  fresh  trade  wind. 

"  I  hope  the  work  of  blood  is  ended,  then,"  calmly  re- 
marked Colborn,  "  for  I  am  heartily  disgusted  with  wit- 
nessing so  much  cruelty  as  the  officers  and  crew  of  this 
ship  have  enacted  since  our  arrival  at  these  islands." 

"  Cruelty ! "  e:sclaimed  the  haughty  son  of  Lord 
North,  "  I  can  not  look  upon  it  as  an  act  of  cruelty,  to 
shoot  down  cold-blooded  pirates." 

"  You  are  too  fast,"  said  the  lieutenant,  "  in  charging 
these  unfortunate  men  with  being  cold-blooded  pirates. 
To  be  a  pirate,  a  man  must  be  a  murderer  of  the  most 
cruel  kind ;  but  these  men  committed  no  murder. 
Their  offense,  it  is  true,  was  serious ;  they  ought  not  to 
have  taken  the  Bounty  from  the  captain,  and  set  him 
and  his  officers  adrift  in  an  open  boat,  on  the  wide 
ocean.  But  we  have  heard  but  one  side  of  the  dis- 
graceful affair;  had  that  ship  been  commanded  and 
conducted  in  all  ways  as  this  one  is,  I  do  not  believe 
that  any  mutiny  would  have  taken  place  on  board  of 
her.  Be  assured  that  the  discipline  of  that  ship  must 
have  been  very  slack  indeed,  —  otherwise  the  petty  of- 
ficers and  sailors  would  not  have  dared  to  bolt  into  the 
commander's  room,  and  seize  and  bind  him,  and  take 
away  his  ship.  I  don't  wish  to  say  aught  against  that 
7 


130  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"Unfortunate  officer ;  but  I  believe  that  had  he  been  a 
determined  man,  and  commanded  his  ship  with  that  re- 
serve and  dignity  which  his  station  demanded,  the  mu- 
tiny would  not  have  taken  place.  And  furthermore, 
no  little  censure  is  attached  to  the  Admiralty,  for  send- 
ing a  ship  on  such  an  expedition  without  marines.  Had 
they  no  soldiers  in  England  that  they  could  not  spare  a 
few  for  that  ship  ?  I  wish  she  had  had  some  of  them 
at  that  time,  and  the  Eace  Horse  less  now.  We  are 
so  lumbered  up  with  them,  and  the  hospital  is  so  con- 
stantly filled  with  the  sick,  tha£  I  am  really  of  opinion 
it  would  be  much  better  for  us  to  sail  for  home,  or  some 
other  cold  country  at  once.  Here  we  are  boxing  about 
where  unknown  reefs  exist,  these  seas  never  having 
been  properly-surveyed,  and  liable  to  strike  and  lose  our 
lives,  all  for  the  sake  of  hunting  a  few  poor  d  —  Is,  and 
taking  them  from  their  adopted  homes  to  make  them 
miserable,  domg  us  or  England  no  good." 

"  I  was  not  aware,"  said  the  midshipman,  "  that  any 
acts  of  cruelty  had  been  committed,  but  if  any  have,  it 
must  have  been  by  your  orders,  for  the  principal  orders 
came  from  you." 

"  It  is  true  that  I  issue  the  captain's,  and  all  general 
orders,  either  directly  or  indirectly,  to  the  under  officers, 
as  my  duty  compels  me ;  but  yet  I  have  never  given 
any  order  upon  my  own  responsibility,  to  treat  the  na- 
tives of  these  islands,  or  any  fugitive  Englishman,  who 
may  have  been  so  weak-minded  as  to  have  committed 
a  crime  that  forces  him  to  seek  an  asylum  here,  with 
cruelty." 

"Weak-minded?  What  should  make  them  weak- 
minded  more  than  other  men  ?  " 

"  The  attractions  of  the  beautiful  women  of  these 
islands,"  replied  Colborn. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  131 

"  Pshaw !  beautiful  women  !  "  exclaimed  North  with 
a  sneer,  "  I  have  heard  much  said  of  the  beauty  of 
Otaheite  women,  but  have  never  seen  anything  of  it."  . 

"  Ha !  ha  !  ha  !  "  laughed  Colborn,  meaningly. 

"  Then  you  are  anxious  to  leave  these  islands,  and 
go  home !  "  said  North  changing  the  subject.  "  Is  it 
really  to  escape  witnessing  any  further  cruelties,  or  are 
you  not  desirous  to  visit  Plymouth  ?" 

The  lieutenant  cast  upon  him  a  reproachful  look,  but 
answered,  "  You  are  a  tease,  George ;  but  have  you  no 
desire  to  return  to  England  also  ?  " 

"  Of  course  I  have  ;  and  the  principal  reason  is,  that 
I  may  see  your  lovely  sister,  and  hope  before  another 
year  expires  to  have  that  happy  privilege." 

"  But  what  if  I  should  tell  her  about  that  little  plump 
Kanaka  girl  you  have  been  sailing  around  with,  for  the 
last  two  months  ?  " 

The  midshipman  changed  countenance,  but  recover- 
ing himself,  asked  firmly  what  he  meant,  declaring  he 
did  not  understand  him. 

"  Oh !  do  not  pretend  to  turn  it  ojOf!  I  know  all  about 
it.  You  think  you  have  been  very  sly ;  that  you  have 
not  been  observed;  but  I  am  aware  of  most  of  the 
transactions  of  my  friend." 

North,  biting  his  lips  turned  away,  repeating,  "  d  — 
that  Walker  !  I'll  choke  him,  when  I  go  below  !" 

•  "Oh !  do  not  make  a  serious  matter  of  it,"  said  Col- 
born laughing,  "  for  be  assured  I  shall  never  mention  it 
by  word  or  letter ;  I  am  no  tattler." 

North,  struck  with  remorse  at  this  manly  forbear- 
ance, extremely  regretted  having  written  to  Melissa, 
concerning  his  friend's  courtship.  He  saw  that  much 
trouble  could  be  made  in  the  North  family,  but  more 
particularly  with  Melissa,  if  Colborn  should  be  as  apt  a 


132  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

tattler  as  he  had  been,  and  fearing  he  might  learn  of  his 
own  littleness  in  this  particular,  became  much  annoyed, 
and  turned  the  subject  again. 

"  How  long  will  it  take  us  to  beat  to  the  Windward 
Islands  ?  "  he  inquired. 

"  About  a  week,  I  presume,"  answered  the  first  lieu- 
tenant. 

"  Are  we  to  anchor  there  .? " 

"  No  !  the  ship  is  to  be  kept  off  and  on." 

"  Then  I  presume  our  stop  there  will  be  of  short  du- 
ration?" 

"  I  do  not  know ;  but  if  my  wishes  or  judgment  are 
taken  in  the  matter,  she  would  not  go  there  at  all." 

The  frigate  continued  to  beat  to  the  eastward  for 
more  than  a  week,  all  the  time  plunging  so  heavily  into 
a  head  sea,  as  to  make  it  disagreeable  for  all  on  board. 
Having  arrived  at  Chain  Islands,  and  sent  on  shore  the 
boats,  it  was  ascertained  that  no  mutineers  were  upon 
those  islands ;  and  the  commander  becoming  convinced 
of  this,  after  taking  on  board  a  good  supply  of  stock 
and  vegetables,  kept  away  before  the  wind  for  Ulietea, 
an  island  far  to  the  leeward  of  Otaheite.  Having  sailed 
for  several  days  before  the  fresh  trade  wind,  they 
hove  in  sight  of  the  island,  and  soon  the  tall  ship 
rounded  to  under  its  lee,  and  dispatched  a  boat  on 
shore ;  no  mutineers  had  ever  been  there,  or  at  least, 
so  it  appeared  from  the  representation  of  the  natives. 
After  having  searched  and  carefully  scrutinized  all 
parts,  but  without  effect,  the  frigate  was  again  put  in 
sea  condition,  and  departed. 

"Another  disagreeable  beating  time  for  us,"  said 
Colborn  peevishly,  "  and  if  the  Race  Horse  were  not  a 
smart  ship  on  the  wind,  she  never  would  reach  there, 
against  this  current." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  133 

"  Where  are  we  bound  to  ? "  asked  North. 
"  To  Otaheite  !  to  hunt  for  mutineers  who  are  all 
dead,"  was  the  reply. 

"  It  is  not  known  but  that  one  or  more  of  them  have 
evaded  us." 

"  And  if  the  surmise  be  true,"  said  Colborn,  "  do  you 
not  think  they  have  been  sufficiently  punished  for  their 
crime,  in  having  been  hunted  and  harassed  for  more 
than  four  months  ;  obliged  to  live  in  frightful  caves  and 
holes  in  the  earth,  often  suffering  from  hunger  or  thirst, 
and  always  with  fear  of  capture  ?  " 

"  I  do  not,"  said  North,  "  for  every  one  of  them  ought 
to  be  shot  down,  or  taken  and  hung,  for  the  offense  of 
mutiny." 

"  Then  you  are  of  opinion  that  one  should  suffer  cap- 
ital punishment  for  other  crimes  than  murder  ?  " 

"  I  am ;  for  there  are  other  crimes  much  worse  than 
the  deprivation  of  life." 

"  I  do  not  think,"  said  the  lieutenant,  "  that  a  per- 
son ought  to  suffer  capital  punishment  for  any  crime 
but  willful  murder ;  and  as  those  men  hav.e  not  com- 
mitted murder,  they  ought  not  to  be  forced  to  suffer 
death." 

"  AYe  are  obhged  to  make  examples  of  them,  for  the 
good  of  society,"  said  the  midshipman.  "  Yoio  appear 
to  be  quite  averse  to  remaining  at  these  islands." 

"  And  2/ow,"  said  Colborn,  "  on  the  contrary,  are  very 
well  satisfied  to  remain,  and  particularly  at  Otaheite." 

As  the  heads  of  Otaheite's  tall  peaks  became  again 
visible,  far  above  the  white  fleecy  clouds  that  hovered 
over  them,  the  hearts  of  many  on  board  beat  lighter 
at  the  thought  of  meeting  again  the  pretty  Kanakas 
whom  they  loved.  It  must  indeed  have  been  pleasant 
sailing  towards  that  island  paradise,  whose  summits 


134  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

appeared  far  above  the  smooth,  blue  waters  of  the  ocean. 

As  she  rounded  the  point,  and  stood  for  the  anchorage 
ground,  a  cry  of  "  the  Race  Horse  has  come  again  ! 
the  Race  Horse !  Race  Horse ! "  rang  hke  a  funeral 
knell  in  the  ears  of  Toono  and  her  husband.  They 
had  been  happy  since  her  departure,  and  did  not  sup- 
pose they  were  again  to  be  hunted. 

But  alas  !  that  hateful  ship  had  returned,  her  boats 
were  again  manned,  polished  lire-arms  and  bristling 
bayonets,  again  filled  thousands  of  Kanakas  with  fear, 
as  the  sailors  and  marines 'landed  and  marched  up  the 
eminence  to  the  village  they  had  so  often  before  dis- 
turbed. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  135 


CHAPTEE    XVI. 

THE    IMPRISONMENT. 

"  Follow  me  again,  clear  Harry,"  cried  Toono,  "  for 
•  those  armed  men  are  again  on  the  manhunt;"  and  leav- 
ing her  child  with  her  friends,  they  bounded  over  a 
stream,  through  a  forest,  and  reached  the  western 
shores  of  the  island. 

"There  they  are!"  cried  Harry,  as  an  armed  boat 
was  seen  making  around  the  point. 

She  neared  the  shore;  her  crew  leaped  upon  the 
beach,  and  pursued  the  last  of  the  mutineers.  Over 
hill  and  dale,  through  forests  and  thicket,  Toono  and 
Harry  ran  with  an  alertness  that  only  a  race  for  dear 
life  could  produce. 

"  We  outrun  them,  Harry,"  cried  Toono,  with  hope. 

But  the  fugitives  at  length  became  so  much  fatigued 
that  they  were  glad  to  enter  a  well-known  cave  to  rest. 
Most  fatal  step  !  for  several  traitorous  Kanakas  —  who 
had  joined  in  the  pursuit  —  had  seen  them  enter  it,  and 
they  pointed  it  out,  or  otherwise  the  approaching  sail- 
ors W8uld  have  passed  it  by. 

The  pursuers  entered  the  cave,  and  leveled  their  pis- 
tols upon  the  form  of  Harry,  and  demanded  of  him  to 
surrender. 

Toono  threw  herself  upon  him  to  receive  the  bullets 
she  already  imagined  were  escaping  from  their  firearms, 
and  in  anguish  shrieked,  "  Oh  !  spare  him  I  spare  him  ! 
and  let  your  anger  fall  on  me." 


136  LIEUTENANT   COLBORN, 

"  \Ye  do  not  ^Yish  to  injure  you,  pretty  one,  but  we 
must  have  this  mutineer,"  replied  they.  And  laying 
hold  of  the  unarmed  Harry,  they  bade  him  go  with 
them. 

"  Don't  call  me  pretty  one  !  bad  men  ! "  cried  Toono, 
in  a  rage,  "  when  you  have  come  to  seize  my  husband." 

"  Come  along,"  said  they  to  Harry,  "  and  don't  hold 
back,  for  it  will  do  no  good."  And  they  dragged  him 
from  the  cave. 

"  Oh  !"  sobbed  Toono,  "  they  have  him  at  last !"  and 
continuing  to  cry  and  mourn  most  piteously,  she  clung 
to  him,  and  endeavored  to  hold  him  back.  But  those 
powerful  men  could  not  be  held  back  by  her  weak  hands, 
and  in  spite  of  her  exertions  they  forced  on  Harry  to- 
wards the  boat.  She  begged  to  be  taken  with  him,  but 
to  no  purpose.  She  implored  her  countrymen  to  liber- 
ate her  husband  from  their  powerful  grasp,  but  they 
feared  the  armed  band.  The  sailors  forced  Harry  into 
the  boat,  and  leaving  poor  Toono  on  shore  shrieking 
and  mourning  in  a  most  piteous  manner,  conveyed  him 
towards  the  frigate. 

"  The  boat's  crew  are  coming  alongside  w^ith  a  muti- 
neer," said  North,  to  the  first  lieutenant. 

"  Well,  pass  the  order  to  the  officer  of  the  deck  to 
receive  the  prisoner,"  said  the  first  lieutenant,  in  a  tone 
of  regret,  "  and  by  and  by  tell  me  I  have  given  this  day 
a  cruel  order."  ^ 

The  prisoner  was  conducted  on  deck,  and  as  his  care- 
worn and  sorrowful  countenance  was  observed  by  the 
first  lieutenant,  that  kind-hearted  man  turned  away  in 
pity,  regretting  that  the  unfortunate  prisoner  had  been 
taken. 

The  commander,  wishing  to  question  Harry,  ordered 
him  to  be  conducted  into  his  presence. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  137 

" "What  is  your  name?"  demanded  the  commander,' 
of  the  disheartened  and  downcast  prisoner. 

"  Harry,"  he  answered,  without  lifting  his  eyes  from 
the  deck. 

"  What  is  your  surname  ?" 

Harry  did  not  answer  the  question. 

"  Perhaps  he  does  not  understand  you,  sir,"  observed 
the  first  heutenant. 

"What,  then,  is  your  last  name?"  asked  the  com- 
mander. 

"  I'd  rather  not  give  it,  sir,"  was  his  reply. 

"  Were  you  one  of  the  crew  of  the  ship  Bounty, 
commanded  by  Captain  Bligh,  and  taken  from  him  by 
her  crew  ?" 

"I  was  a  boy  on  board  of  that  ship,  sir." 

"  Then  you  acknowledge  that  you  were  a  mutineer  ?" 

"  I  do  not,  sir." 

"  How  so  ?     Did  you  not  participate  in  the  mutiny  ?" 

"  I  was  only  a  boy,"  replied  the  prisoner,^  "  and  was 
obliged  to  remain  with  the  strongest  party." 

"  Are  there  others  of  your  comrades  still  on  this  isl- 
and?" 

"  I  do  not  know,  sir." 

"  How  many  were  there  in  all  of  you  ? " 

"  I  do  not  remember,  sir." 

As  the  examination  proceeded,  the  attention  of  the 
first  lieutenant  was  taken  by  the  very  soft  and  singular 
expression  of  the  prisoner's  eyes. 

"  I  fancy,"  he  said,  mentally,  "  I  have  seen  this  fellow 
before.  I  really  am  sorry  for  him.  What  eyes  he  has  ! 
Why  should  he  remind  me  of  her .?" 

No  information-having  been  obtained  of  the  prisoner, 
he  was  led  below  and  placed  in  charge  of  the  guard. 

On  the  following  day  the  first  lieutenant  visited  the 
7* 


138  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

island  for  curiosity  and  amusement.  During  his  ab- 
sence a  large  canoe,  containing  several  persons  of  im- 
portance, approached  the  frigate,  and  asked  respectfully 
if  they  would  be  allowed  to  go  on  board. 

The  officer  of  the  deck  roughly  answered  that  there 
was  no  admittance. 

A  tall  and  important-appearing  man  then  arose  in  the 
canoe,  and,  addressing  the  officer,  said  that  he  was  the 
father  of  her  whose  husband  was  then  confined  onboard 
the  ship  as  a  prisoner,  and  that  he  had  accompanied  his 
daughter,  hoping  she  might  obtain  an  interview  with 
her  husband.  He  implored  the  officer  that  the  request 
might  be  granted. 

"  We  wish  no  weeping  women  on  board,-'  said  the 
officer,  "  so  go  away  from  the  frigate  ! " 

The  canoe  returned  towards  the  shore,  while  poor 
Toono  looked  back  and  shed  tears  of  grief  to  think 
he  she  loved  was  kept  in  cruel  imprisonment. 

As  they  disembarked  and  ascended  the  hill  towards 
the  village,  they  observed  the  first  lieutenant  in  earnest 
conversation  with  an  old  sailor,  one  of  his  boat's  crew, 
who  had  left  the  boat  without  permission. 

"  Jack  !  you  know  this  is  not  the  first  oflfense,"  said 
the  lieutenant  to  the  sailor.  "  I  have  let  you  off  several 
times  before,  and  if  it  occurs  again,  look  out ! " 

"  Ye  see,  sir,"  said  Jack,  "  that  I,  being  in  love  with 
one  o'  these  gals  up  the  hill,  could'nt  help  running  up 
for  a  minute  to  see  her.  And  besides,  I  did'nt  expect 
to  meet  Mr.  Colborn  on  my  way,  and  though  I  have,  I 
hope  he'll  overlook  it,  for  'fore  now  he's  saved  me  many 
a  floofginff." 

Colborn  turned  aside  that  the  old  tar  should  not  see 
him  smile,  and  asked,  "  Have  you  seen  her  ?" 

"  Ay,  sir." 


OR  TUE  DISINHERITED.  130 

"  And  are  now  on  the  way  to  the  boat  ?  " 

"  Ay,  sir." 

"  Then  bear  a  hand !  and  see  you  do  not  repeat  the 
offense." 

"  Ay,  ay,  sir !  Til  be  on  board  of  her  in  a  jiffy  ;"  and 
Jack,  touching  his  hat  respectfully,  disappeared  in  an 
instant. 

"  Holloa,  shipmates  ! "  cried  Jack,  as  he  reached  the 
boat,  "  holloa  !  sunning  yourselves  on  your  thwarts  now, 
like  turtles  on  the  shores  of  Cuba,  eh  ?" 

"  Ay,"  rephed  Bill,  "  but  the  coxswain  is  to  report 
you,  so  be  ready  for  three  dozen." 

"  He's  to  report  me  to  the  first  luffy,  I  'spose  !" 

"  Ay,  and  as  soon  as  he  comes  down,  too," 

''  Ha  !  ha  !  ha !"  laughed  Jack. 

"  You'll  not  laugh  then,"  said  Bill,  "  for  sure  you'll 
not." 

"  Ha !  ha !  Did  you  ever  know  me  to  be  flogged  yet  ?" 
asked  Jack. 

The  boat's  crew  looked  from  one  to  another,  as  they 
recollected  that  it  had  been  said  that  no  cat  had  ever 
touched  him. 

"  But  you'll  get  it  this  time,  though,"  said  Bill ;  "ha! 
ha!  ha!" 

"  Ha !  ha  !  laugh  away,  but  I'll  get  no  flogging,"  re- 
plied Jack,  and  took  his  place  on  his  thwart. 

The  old  chief  and  his  party  approached  the  first  lieu- 
tenant just  as  the  sailor  left  him. 

"  Father,"  said  Toono,  "  this  is  the  officer  next  to  the 
commander ;  he  was  very  kind  to  us  when  we  were  on 
board  the  frigate.  We  think  we  were  released  by  his 
influence.  Oh,  I  am  so  glad  to  see  him,  for  I'm  sure  he 
will  allow  me  to  see  my  husband." 

As  Toono  approached  him  quite  near,  her  doleful 
countenance  attracted  his  attention. 


140  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  Kind  sir!''  said  she,  "I  am  one  of  those  wretched 
women  you  treated  so  kindly  on  board  your  ship  when 
she  was  here  before." 

Colborn  acknowledged  that  he  recognized  her. 

"  This  is  ray  father,"  said  she,  introducing  him  in  her 
plain  manner. 

As  the  lieutenant  performed  his  part  of  the  introduc- 
tion, he  admired  the  intellectual  and  dignified  bearing 
of  her  father,  and  inwardly  confessed  himself  in  the 
presence  of  a  superior  man. 

The  prince  immediately  invited  him  to  his  home,  and 
extended  to  him  its  hospitahties. 

"  My  daughter,"  said  he,  as  they  became  seated  on 
the  mats  in  his  neat  cabin,  "  is  in  -deep  trouble  because 
her  husband  is  confined  on  board  your  ship  as  a  prison- 
er. Knowing  that  your  government  has  demanded  the 
arrest  of  those  who  rose  on  the  officers  of  the  Bounty, 
and  that  the  Eace  Horse  has  been  sent  here  for  the  pur-' 
pose  of  seizing  them,  I  no  longer  censure  the  command- 
er, as  I  did  at  first.  At  that  time,  I  opposed  him  with 
all  my  influence,  and  must  still  complain  that  the  man- 
ner used  to  accomplish  the  purpose  ha^Tiot  been  at  all 
just  and  honorable.  With  these  more  friendly  senti- 
ments, I  accompanied  my  daughter  to  the  frigate,  think- 
ing she  might  have  the  privilege  of  seeing  her  husband. 
I  hoped  to  have  the  pri^^lege  of  conversing  wdth  the 
commander,  but  we  were  not  allowed  to  go  on  board. 
We  beg  to  ask  of  your  kind  self  the  favor  the  officer  on 
board  would  not  grant." 

Colborn  well  knew  that  what  the  prince  had  said 
concerning  the  unjust  manner  that  had  been  used  in 
capturing  the  mutineers  was  true,  but  he  did  not  say 
so,  as  his  station  did  not  admit  of  it. 

"  Your  request  is  cheerfully  granted,"  said  he,  "  and 
had  I  been  on  board  you  would -have  been  admitted." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  141 

"  Oh,  kind  sir,"  said  Toono,  "  I  thank  you  ;  and  if  you 
have  a  loved  one,  may  she  never  be  torn  from  you  to 
cause  you  the  pain  I  now  suffer." 

"  Thank  you,  noble  man,"  said  her  father,  "  and  may 
you  and  yours  be  blessed  forever." 

The  wish  of  Toono  went  directly  to  his  heart,  for  he 
at  once  thought  of  Kate,  and  of  the  powerful  obstacles 
he  had  to  overcome  before  she  could  be  his. 

Then,  noticing  that  the  bride  of  Harry  appeared  anx- 
ious to  improve  the  permission  granted,  he  bade  them 
adieu,  and  as  he  walked  down  the  hill  towards  the  boat, 
he  could  not  help  pondering  the  strength  of  the  affec- 
tion that  rules  in  woman's  heart  when  once  that  heart 
has  chosen  its  partner ;  and  as  he  stepped  on  board  of 
the  frigate,  he  accosted  the  officer  of  the  deck  in  a  form- 
al manner,  saying,  "  When  those  peaceable  visitors  that 
you  have  driven  from  alongside  come  again,  have  the 
kindness  to  admit  them  on  board." 

Ere  long  the  prince  and  Toono  were  announced,  and 
welcomed  on  board  by  the  first  lieutenant. 

Toono  was  conducted  to  her  husband  down  on  the 
lower  gun  deck,  and  with  her  heart's  idol  had  an  inter- 
view of  an  hour,  during  which  time  they  conversed  in 
the  Kanaka  tongue. 

The  commander  also  granted  the  prince  an  interview, 
in  which  the  latter  asked  as  a  boon  that  Harry  might 
be  released.  He  persistently  urged  that  Harry  w^as  but 
a  boy  on  board  the  Bounty,  and  could  not  have  been 
accessory  to  the  mutiny.  But  this  did  not  convince  the 
commander,  and  being  determined  to  convey  him  to 
England  for  trial,  he  refused  to  grant  the  request. 

The  time  allotted  for  Toono's  interview  expired,  and 
she  was  obliged  to  leave  the  prisoner.  As  she  passed 
the  first  lieutenant,  she  implored  him  to  allow  her  daily 


142  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

visits  to  her  husband,  and  that  he  would  not  allow  him 
to  be  mistreated  by  the  guard. 

Colborn  consoled  her  by  granting  her  request,  and 
she  become  more  tranquil ;  and  descending  the  ladder 
to  the  canoe,  she  proceeded  with:  her  father  on  shore. 

The  commander  being  satisfied  that  no  other  "muti- 
neers remained  on  the  islands,  gave  orders  to  his  officers 
to  get  the  ship  in  readiness  to  depart  for  England. 

iSTew  life  now  seemed  to  be  infused  into  the  minds  of 
the  ship's  company,  and  Old  England,  and  wives  and 
sweethearts,  were  spoken  of  in  every  mess,  although 
doubtless  a  few  would  have  been  perfectly  contented  to 
remain  at  Otaheite. 

As  the  saihng  day  approached,  Harry  and  his  faith- 
ful wife,  dwelling  upon  the  prospect  that  they  must  soon 
be  separated  forever,  became  indeed  wretched.  But 
they  had  decided  upon  making  an  effort  to  thwart  the 
commander  of  the  Race  Horse  in  his  intention  of  con- 
veying his  prisoner  to  England. 

His  place  of  imprisonment  was  between  two  of  the 
forward  guns  on  the  lower  gun-deck,  where  he  was 
guarded  by  two  sentinels.  Besides  this,  his  wi-ists  were 
confined  by  irons  ;  but,  fortunately  for  him,  his  ankles 
were  not  shackled. 

He  had  instructed  Toono  to  lay  near  the  frigate  at 
night  with  the  canoe,  so  that  in  case  he  should  leap 
through  a  port  into  the  water,  she  could  rescue  him. 
But  night  after  night  passed  by,  and  no  opportunity  of- 
fered to  encourage  an  attempt  at  escape.  He  began 
to  think  his  plans  would  prove  hopeless,  and  he  be  car- 
ried to  England,  when  (on  the  very  night  before  the 
day  appointed  for  the  frigate's  departure)  the  propi- 
tious moment  arrived.  The  ship's  company  were  asleep 
in  their  hammocks,  and  a  comparative  silence  reigned 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  143 

throughout  the  ship.  One  of  his  guards  had  fallen 
asleep,  and  the  other  leaned  over  a  gun  carriage,  forget- 
ting that  he  was  placed  there  to  watch  a  prisoner. 

At  this  critical  moment  Harry,  trusting  to  the  watch- 
fulness of  Toono,  silently  crowded  through  the  port 
and  dropped  into  the  water.  The  faithful  Toono  heard 
the  splash  as  he  struck  the  water,  and  immediately  as- 
sisted him  into  the  canoe.  The  sentinel  also  hearing 
a  noise  under  the  port,  awaked,  and  missing  the  prison- 
er, gave  the  alarm  ;  and  soon  it  was  known  fore  and  aft 
that  the  mutineer  had  escaped. 

As  soon  as  practicable,  a  boat  was  manned,  and  pur- 
suit commenced ;  but  it  being  dark,  and  the  boat's  crew 
having  no  idea  as  to  which  direction  the  fugitive  had 
taken,  did  not  succeed  in  recapturing  him. 

The  fugitive  having  reached  the  shore,  repaired  to  the 
cabin  of  Toono's  father,  and  here  Harry  found  means 
to  relieve  his  wrists  of  the  handcuffs. 

They  did  not  venture  to  remain  here  long,  as  it  was 
well  known  that  search  would  be  made  at  the  house  of 
the  prince ;  but  they  dared  not  risk  to  occupy  either  of 
the  caves,  often  before  resorted  to  in  times  of  danger, 
as  these  had  become  quite  w^ell  known  to  the  crew  of 
the  frigate ;  but  concluded  to  trust  themselves  to  the 
forests  on  the  western  part  of  the  island,  and  accord- 
ingly ere  the  break  of  day  they  were  on  their  way 
thither. 


144  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


CHAPTER    XYII. 

THE    CANNONADE. 

"  What's  that  I  see  ?"  asked  Harry,  as  they. ascended 
a  hill  that  from  its  summit  commanded  a  view  of  the 
village  and  harbor. 

"  A  boat  from  the  frigate,"  replied  Toono,  "  and  mak- 
ing this  way." 

''  I  did  not  think,"  said  her  husband,  "  they  would  be- 
gin the  hunt  so  soon ;  but  I  might  have  known  they 
would,  as  they  do  not  wish  to  let  me  live." 

"  The  kind  lieutenant  would  have  let  you  rest,  had 
the  matter  been  left  with  him,"  said  Toono.  "  But  come  ! 
we  must  not  dally  here  ;  come  !  let  us^:urn  to  the  right 
and  hurry  on." 

"  To  the  right ! "  cried  Harry,  as  he  saw  a  band  of 
sailors  making  towards  them  from  that  direction. 
"Look  there!" 

Toono  looked  bewildered.  Pursuers  were  coming 
both  by  land  and  by  water.  No  time  w^as  to  be  lost, 
and  as  the  boats  had  not  yet  rounded  the  point,  and 
were  much  farther  oft'  than  the  other  party,  she  decided 
to  take  the  chances  on  the  water. 

"  This  is  our  only  chance,"  she  cried ;  and  they  de- 
scended the  hill,  leaped  into  a  canoe,  and  paddled  oft* 
towards  Eimeo.  They  had  not  gone  far  when  the  boat 
which  had  been  seen  from  the  hill  rounded  the  point, 
and  gave  them  chase.  She  was  manned  with  powerful 
men,   who,   grasping   their   bending   oars,   forced  her 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  ,  145 

through  the  water  at  great  speed,  and  there  was  soon 
no  doubt  that  the  fugitives  would  be  overtaken.  Still 
Harry  and  Toono  plied  their  paddles  in  the  unequal 
race  for  dear  life,  and  made  their  light  canoe  almost  fly 
over  the  surface  of  the  water.  The  pinnace  gained  on 
thein,  however,  in  spite  of  their  great  exertions. 

Presently  the  top  of  a  ragged,  barren  rock  came  into 
view,  as  the  canoe  turned  a  point  of  land.  It  was  not 
far  from  the  shore,  yet  the  water  all  around  was  almost 
fathomless,  and  many  feet  it  reared  its  peaked  head 
above  the  sea,  worn  and  bleached  by  the  perpetual 
washing  of  the  ocean's  billows. 

"  Don't  give  up  yet,  dear  Harry,"  cried  the  energetic 
Toono,  "  for  if  we  can  reach  that  rock,  perhaps  we  will 
escape." 

And  although  the  perspiration  rolled  down  her  face 
and  neck,  and  ofi"  her  shoulders,  she  seemed  almost  en- 
dued with  superhuman  strength.  Harry  also  still  wield- 
ed his  paddle  with  almost  herculean  power,  the  fear  of 
being  taken  stimulating  him  to  stupendous  exertions. 

"  Level  on  them  ! "  cried  the  officer  of  marines,  as  the 
pinnace  came  almost  in  contact  with  the  canoe. 

At  this  instant  Toono,  dropping  her  paddle,  cried, 
"  Leap  after  me,  Harry  !"  and  they  both  plunged  be- 
neath the  sea ;  at  the  same  moment  the  explosion  of 
half  a  dozen  muskets  rent  the  air.  When  the  smoke 
cleared  away,  the  frail  canoe,  shattered  and  splintered, 
with  the  two  paddles  floating  on  the  agitated  surface  of 
the  water,  were  all  that  remained  to  be  seen  of  the  fu- 
gitives. 

•  Down,  down  she  swam  —  and  close  to  her  feet,  which 
he  could  distinctly  see  in  the  clear  water  —  followed  her 
dear  Harry.  They  plunged  through  a  cavity  wrought 
by  the  constant  washing  of  the  sea,  and  ascending  again 


146  LIEUTENANT  COLBORX, 

above  the  water's  surface,  were  perfectly  concealed 
within  that  hollow  rock. 

"We  were  just  one  second  too  late,"  said  the  officer 
in  command.  "  They  both  struck  the  water  as  we  fired ; 
so  load  up,  marines  !  and  give  way,  sailors  ! " 

The  boat  moved  on,  and  the  marines  having  reloaded, 
were  in  readiness  to  fire  as  soon  as  the  want  of  air  should 
force  the  fugitives  to  rise  again. 

All  eyes  were  now  cast  over  the  place  where  the  fu- 
gitives had  disappeared. 

"  Rather  long-winded,"  said  an  old  shell,  rolling  his 
quid  of  tobacco  from  one  cheek  to  the  other. 

"  We  have  shot  them,"  said  the  lieutenant  of  marines 
to  the  commander  of  the  boat,  "  for  no  human  being 
could  exist  alive  so  long  under  the  water." 

"  No,  sir !  they  are  not  shot,"  said  the  officer  in  com- 
mand, "  for  they  were  under  water  ere  the  muskets  ex- 
ploded." 

"  That's  my  opinion,  too,"  observed  midshipman  North, 
"  for  I  watched  them  as  they  leaped." 

"  But  where  are  they  ? "  asked  the  heutenant  of  ma- 
rines, as,  in  a  careless  way,  he  seated  himself,  smiling 
as  if  well  satisfied  that  the  muskets  had  done  the  in- 
tended work.     "  Can  they  respire  water  ?  " 

The  commander  of  the  boat  did  not  answer,  but  cast 
a  perplexed  look  over  the  water. 

"  I  should'nt  like  to  have  as  many  bullet-holes  in  my 
body  as  they  have,"  whispered  a  marine  to  one  of  his 
comrades. 

"  Nor  I,"  rejoined  the  party  addressed. 

"What  are  you  talking  about?"  said  a  sailor; 
"  how  do  ye  know  whether  they  are  shot  or  not,  seeing 
that  you  always  shut  your  eyes  .when  you  pull  the 
trigger  ?" 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  147 

"'Tis  false  !"  said  the  mariue,  in  a  loud  and  indig- 
nant tone. 

"  JLet  us  have  less  noise  in  the  bows  of  the  boat,  there," 
cried  he  in  command,  "  and  give  way  ! " 

The  oars  dropped  simultaneously  into  the  water,  and 

with  a  quick  pull  the  pinnace  moved  towards  the  rock. 

"  Ease  the  port  oars !    pull  away  starboard ! "  said 

the  officer  in  command  ;  and  the  boat,  assisted  by  the 

helm,  swept  around  the  rock  most  beautifully. 

Having  carefully  examined  all  parts  of  it  without 
succeeding  in  finding  any  place  of  concealment,  the 
opinions  of  those  who  had  held  that  the  fugitives  had 
not  been  shot  began  to  waver,  and  in  a  short  time  all 
declared  that  the  mutineer  and  his  wife  were  no  more. 
"  It  is  stupid  to  think  they  are  not  dead,"  said  the  of- 
ficer in  command,  "  so  I  will  make  out  the  report  for 
the  ship  accordingly,  and  go  immediately  on  board. 
Now,  men,  I  congratulate  you  all  for  this  day's  success. 
Give  way!" 

The  order  was  obeyed,  and  the  oars  fell  into  the  wa- 
ter, ruffling  its  polished  surface.  The  boat  moved  for- 
ward, and  the  hearts  of  the  two  hidden  beings  —  nearer 
than  was  known  —  beat  hght  as  they  heard  the  dash  of 
the  oars.  They  thought  themselves  again  free,  and  all 
wet  as  they  were,  they  embraced,  and  from  their  damp 
cave  thanked  God  for  their  delivery. 

But,  alas !  they  were  doomed  to  disappointment,  for 
the   eyes   of  midshipman   North,   penetrating   several 
fathoms  under  water,  saw  the  cavity  in  the  rock. 
"  Hold  ! "  cried  he.     "  Look  there  ! " 
"  Heave  up  ! "  said  the  officer,  and  asked  North  what 
he  saw. 

"  A  hole  in  that  rock,  four  fathoms  under  water,"  was 
the  reply. 


148 


LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


"Stern-all!"  commanded  the  officer;  and  soon  the 
pinnace  was  backed  close  to  the  side  of  the  rock. 

"  I  can  see  no  cavity  there,"  said  one.  ^ 

"  Nor  I." 

"  Nor  I,"  said  others. 

"  Wait  a  little,"  said  North,  "  until  the  water  becomes 
again  smooth." 

"  We'll  have  to  wait  some  time,"  grumbled  an  old 
sailor,  who  sat  pretty  well  forward,  and  who  had  been 
quite  annoyed  at  being  obliged  to  return  to  the  rock. 

"  Why  so  ?"  said  another,^  "  don't  you  think  the  mid- 
dy has  seen  anything  ?" 

"  Seen  anything !  How  the  d — 1  can  a  man  see  any- 
thing four  fathoms  under  water  ?" 

"  Sure  enough  !  better  go  on  board  than  be  humbug- 
ging around  this  rock." 

"  There  it  is  ! "  cried  North,  pointing  down  the  water 
near  the  rock. 

"  Yes,  I  see  it,"  said  the  officer,  "  but  what  of  it,  after 
all." 

"  I  think  the  fugitives  are  in  that  hole,"  said  North. 

"  Ah  !  ha  !  there's  where  they  are  — I  see  through  it 
all  now  !  That  rock  is  hollow,  and  they  having  swam 
through  the  hole,  have  ascended  above  the  water  in- 
side." 

"  Exactly,"  said  the  midshipman. 

"  Is  there  any  man  among  you  who  is  willing  to  dive 
down  and  examine  that  cavity  ?"  asked  the  commander 
of  the  pinnace.  No  answer  returned.  "  Is  there  no 
man  here,"  continued  he,  "  no  seaman,  who  is  willing  to 
brave  a  dive  to  serve  his  king  and  country  r" 

"  But  that's  a  deep  dive,  sir!"  said  an  old  seaman,  as 
he  measured  the  distance  down  with  his  experienced 
eye;  "and  besides,  I  would'nt  like  to  poke  my  head 
amongst  the  sharp-looking  rocks  down  there." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  149 

"  I  say  so,  too,"  said  another ;  "  and  although  I  should 
like  to  do  my  king  and  my  country  a  favor,  I  can't  — 
down  there."  ^ 

None  would  venture. 

''  Are  there  none  amongst  you  all,"  said  the  officer, 
"  brave  enough  to  make  the  dive  ?  Is  there  no  officer 
here  who  will  venture  ?  I  declare,  I  shall  be  ashamed 
to  report  the  same  to  the  captain." 

North,  stung  with  the  taunt,  and  particularly  as  he 
imagined  that  several  looked  sharply  at  him,  now  de- 
clared he  would  try  it.  He  stripped  off  his  upper  gar- 
ments, and  stepping  one  foot  on  the  gunw^ale,  was  about 
to  plunge,  when  the  cry  of  "  A  shark  !  a  shark  !""  ar- 
rested him  ;  and  an  enormous  shark  passed  leisurely  by 
the  rock,  just  beneath  the  surface. 

As  North  saw  the  finny  monster  look  at  the  boat, — 
as  if  wishing  some  one  would  leap  or  fall  overboard,  to 
serve  him  for  a  meal,  —  he  turned  pale,  and  fell  back 
into  the  boat.  ^ 

"  Serves  him  right,"  whispered  an  old  sailor.  "  What 
right  has  he  to  think  he  can  do  what  we  can't  ?  The 
upstart  1" 

'-  How  can  we  capture  them,"  asked  the  officer,  "  if 
no  one  \\\\\  go  down  ? " 

"Would  you  have  a  man  dive  amongst  sharks?" 
asked  a  petty  officer. 

"  Are  you  satisfied  they  are  in  the  rock  ?"  asked  the 
commander,  turning  to  the  officer  of  marines. 

"  I  am,"  was  his  reply. 

"  And  what  plan  do  you  think  can  be  adopted  to  get 
at  them  ? " 

"  I  know  of  none  but  to  watch  them  until  hunger 
forces  them  to  come  out." 

"  It  is  possible,  and  even  probable,  that  they  may  have 


150  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

provisions  inside  that  rock.  If  so,  our  watching  would 
be  in  vain." 

"  Why  don't  they  leave  the  poor  devils  to  the  sharks  ?" 
whispered  a  sailor. 

"  Sure  enough,"  said  another. 

"  I  know  of  no  better  plan  than  to  blow  up  the  rock 
with  gunpowder,"  said  the  commander. 

"  Oh  !  cruelty  ! "  whispered  the  sailor. 

"  Oh  !  the  wretch ! "  whispered  another. 

"That's  it!"  exclaimed  the  officers.  "That  is  the 
best  plan  of  all." 

"  Then  I'll  make  out  the  report  accordingly,"  said  the 
boat's  commander,  "  We  can  do  no  more  good  here 
now,  so  we  will  go  on  board.     Give  way  !" 

The  pinnace  dashed  forward,  and  rounding  the  point 
of  land,  the  rock  was  lost  to  view. 

On  the  following  day  the  frigate  got  underway,  and 
sailed  around  the  western  side  of  the  island. 

As  the  rugged  peak  of  the  rock  hove  in  view  from 
the  ship,  the  courses  were  hauled  up,  and  all  hands  beat 
to  quarters. 

The  first  and  second  divisions,  main  deck,  were  or- 
dered to  load  and  level  upon  it.  The  frigate  soon  reached 
quite  near  to  the  rock.  The  order  was  given  to  fire, 
and  the  booming  of  cannon  sounded  ^nd  resounded 
over  the  rocks  and  shores  for  many  miles.  The  firing 
w^as  continued  some  fifteen  minutes,  and  as  soon  as  the 
smoke  ascended,  all  looked  for  the  rock ;  but  in  vain, 
for  the  heavy  cannon  balls  had  crushed  its  hollow  walls, 
and  hurled  it,  and  all  it  contained,  beneath  the  sea. 

Nothing  could  be  seen  where  it  so  lately  had  stood 
but  the  flowing  waters  of  the  great  Pacific. 

The  frigate  now  returned  to  her  anchorage.  All  on 
board  were  satisfied  that  the  last  of  the  mutineers  had 


on  THE  DISINHERITED.  151 

been  destroyed,  and  thus  that  society  would  be  satisfied, 
and  those  who  had  been  injured,  revenged. 

After  a  few  weeks  spent  in  recruiting  and  refitting, 
the  frigate  got  underway  and  put  to  sea.  As  she  moved 
from  the  island,  never  more  to  return,  thousands  of 
Kanakas  rejoiced  at  her  departure  —  and  none  more  so 
than  did  the  lovers,  who  had  escaped  from  the  rock  ere 
the  frigate  reached  it.  Joyfully  they  rushed  through 
the  forests  and  down  the  hills  to  their  long-deserted 
cabin.  They  were  met  by  hosts  of  their  friends,  who 
rent  the  air  with  their  wild  and  enthusiastic  shouts,  con- 
gratulating each  other  on  the  escape  and  deliverance 
of  the  last  of  the  mutineers,  Harry  —  and  his  loving 
wife,  the  heroic  and  ever-faithful  Toono. 


152  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


CHAPTEE    XVIII. 

THE    REFUSAL. 

Once  more  let  us  turn  to  consider  the  fortunes  of 
Fellows^  the  robber  chief.  Having  met  with  uncom- 
monly good  success  by  the  specie  robbery  on  board  of 
the  merchantman  at  sea ;  and  having  run  so  many  hair- 
breadth escapes  of  late,  it  cannot  be  a  matter  of  surprise 
that  he  should  wish  to  abandon  a  life  so  full  of  danger, 
and  embrace  one  of  safety.  He  made  up  his  mind,  that  if 
possible,  he  would  become  a  respectable  citizen,  and  he 
looked  for  a  propitious  result  in  the  attachment  he  had 
formed  for  the  bar-maid  at  Plymouth,  as  in  part  a 
means  towards  this  end.  At  the  same  time  the  intima- 
cy he  had  formed  with  good  people  at  the  inn,  had  no 
small  share  in  causing  him  to  form  this  good  resolution. 
Accordingly  he  made  a  settlement  with  his  companions 
satisfactorily  to  them  all,  Hubert,  who  was  anxious  to 
get  his  place,  assisting  much  in  accomplishing  it.  Hu- 
bert indeed  was  willing  to  accept  of  the  more  cumbrous 
articles  for  his  share,  leaving  Fellows'  portion  —  with 
the  exception  of  the  brigantine  —  all  in  cash  and  jew- 
els, which  constituted  a  lapge  sum. 

Fellows  bade  his  former  companions  a  last  adieu, 
and  made  his  home  with  his  mother, —  a  very  respecta- 
ble widow  lady  living  up  town.  She  was  ignorant  of 
her  son's  manner  of  life,  as  he,  when  at  home,  told  her 
artful  stories  to  make  himself  appear  like  an  honorable 
young  man.   He  set  up  an  establishment,  kept  a  splen- 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  153 

did  carriage  and  pair ;  dressed  tastefully  and  fashiona- 
bh\  and  by  his  superior  appearance,  and  the  influence 
of  his  mother,  he  might  have  formed  an  alliance  with  a 
lady  of  respectability  and  family,  from  among  the  many 
into  whose  society  he  was  thrown.  But  neither  of 
these  London  fair  ones  had  the  fortune,  or  rather  mis- 
fortune, to  make  an  impression  on  his  heart,  which  still 
turned  towards  the  lovely  bar- maid  of  Plymouth.  And 
at  length  having  enjoyed  the  pleasures  of  London  to 
his  entire  satisfaction,  he  resolved  to  visit  Plymouth  to 
be  again  in  the  presence  of  her  he  loved,  and  also  to  do 
his  utmost  to  win  her  heart  and  hand. 

Another  mission,  but  of  less  consequence,  which  he 
intended  to  perform,  was  to  venture  to  the  wood  near 
Winchester,  with  the  object  of  rescuing  from  the  tree 
the  treasures  he  had  been  obhged  to  leave  concealed 
within  its  trunk. 

Captain  Harvey  was  accordingly  instructed  to  get 
the  vessel  in  readiness  for  sea,  as  Fellows  dared  not 
travel  through  portions  of  the  country  he  had  so  many 
times  disturbed  by  robbery. 

Having  bid  his  mother  an  affectionate  farewell,  and 
told  her  he  was  going  on  a  journey  to  France  on 
business,  he  repaired  on  board  his  yacht,  and  she  soon 
after  got  underway. 

The  weather  was  pleasant,  and  after  the  Nancy  had 
di-opped  down  the  stream  with  the  ebb  tide  until  clear 
of  the  forest  of  shipping,  that  at  nearly  all  times  blocks 
up  the  harbor  of  London  for  several  miles  below  Black - 
wall  —  the  white  canvas  was  spread  to  the  westerly 
breeze,  and  she  slipped  along  the  smooth  waters  of  the 
river  as  gracefully  as  a  swan,  and  but  for  the  rippling 
under  her  bows,  and  the  bubbling  wake  astern,  none 
would  have  supposed  she  was  making  the  half  of  tho 
8 


154  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

ten  knots  an  hour,  which  was  her  actual  speed.  The 
crew  seemed  over  anxious  to  show  oflf  before  their  com- 
modore, as  they  called  Fellows.  In  fact,  he  had  be- 
come an  idol  with  all  on  board,  as  he  was  kind  in  his 
bearing  towards  them,  and  gave  them  money  and  a 
double  share  of  grog,  and  they  fancied  they  had  less 
work  to  do  when  he  was  on  board,  and  better  times 
generally  than  during  his  absence. 

The  commander  and  owner  of  the  Nancy  could  truly 
say  that  he  was  lord  of  all  he  surveyed,  and  as  he 
and  Harvey  walked  the  quarter  deck  in  friendly  con- 
versation, he  probably  thought  so.  They  occasionally 
espied  a  well-known  house,  hill,  windmill,  or  other  ob- 
ject on  the  shore,  about  which  one  or  the  other  had 
some  remark  to  make.  Now  and  then  the  magnifying 
powers  of  the  glasses  discovered  a  distant  wood,  which 
was  fraught  with  unpleasant  reminiscences  to  the  mi  ad 
of  Fellows.  There  had  been  for  years  a  connection  be- 
tween the  forests  and  himself,  and  as  he  thought  of  the 
many  dangers  he  had  passed  amongst  them,  and  how 
much  he  had  risked  for  money,  he  shuddered. 

But  he  was  not  the  only  one  who  had  been  a  thief, 
cheat,  and  robber  for  the  root  of  all  evil. 

No !  there  are  others  who,  under  the  cloak  of  relig- 
ion and  respectability,  ruined  their  once  honest  names 
in  this  world,  and  damned  their  souls  forever  in  the 
next,  and  ah  for  gold  —  that  slave  of  the  dark  and  dirty 
mine  ! 

They  sailed  on  down  the  river,  passed  through  the 
Downs,  and  around  the  Forelands  to  Duno^eness,  when 
they  found  the  wind  blowing  right  up  channel. 

''  There's  no  doubt  about  the  wind's  being  ahead 
now,"  said  Harvey. 

Fellows  looked  at  the  compasses  to  see  if  it  were  in- 
deed true. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  155 

«  It's  SO,  sir,"  continued  the  ciiptain,  "  although  you 
seemed  to  think  otherwise  coming  down  the  river.  But 
I  thought,  and  still  think,  our  jibs  will  fill  for  some 
time,"  and  he  looked  to  windward  with  an  air  of  con- 
fidence. 

"  The  wind  at  Margate  was  W.  N.  "VY.  and  some- 
times N.  W.  by  the  compass,"  said  Fellows,  "  and  I 
said  that  it  would  be  a  good  wind  for  us  in  the  channel, 
but  now  I  see  that  it  is  W.  S.  W.,  so  of  course  the  wind 
has  changed  four  points." 

"  No  !  I  am  sure  the  wind  has  not  changed,"  said 
Harvey,  "  for  many  times  I  have  experienced  it  quite 
different  in  the  river  from  what  I  have  found  it  in  the 
channel ;  and  as  a  proof  that  I  am  correct,  if  we  should 
return  to  the  river,  we  would  still  find  the  wind  as  be- 
fore." 

"  I  will  not  dispute  with  you,"  said  Fellows,  "  as  you 
are  experienced  in  these  matters,  and  I  am  not.  But 
how  long  will  it  take  us  to  go  down  the  channel  with 
such  an  unfavorable  wind  ? " 

"  Nearly  a  week,  but  as  we  have  the  chance  of  a 
shift  of  wind  meantime,  we  may  reach  our  port  of  des- 
tination sooner." 

"  Let  us  proceed,  then,"  said  Fellows. 

The  yards  were  immediately  braced  sharp  up ;  all 
her  fore  and  aft  sheets  hauled  off;  bowlines  hauled  out; 
and  the  little  craft  put  in  complete  beating  —  or  as  the 
coasters  say,  turning  order. 

"  This  leaping  and  plunging  is  very  disagreeable," 
said  Fellows,  as,  lying  on  the  counter  in  the  cabin,  he 
shifted  from  side  to  side  every  time  the  vessel  went  in 
stays. 

"  It  is,"  replied  Harvey,  "  but  we  must  put  up  with 
such  circumstances  sometimes." 


156 


LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


The  brigantine  worked  around  the  Ness  by  short 
tacks  and  a  fresh  breeze,  when,  reachmg  out  into  the 
channel  way,  she  met  the  sea  so  high  that  they  were 
obhged  to  take  in  the  h^t  sails. 

"  I  am  getting  sea-sick,"  cried  Fellows,  "  by  this  con- 
founded pitching,  which  is  worse  than  jolting  in  a  stage 
coach,  on  a  bad  road  after  a  heavy  rain." 

"  You  ought  to  be  free  from  that  disagreeable  feel- 
ing by  this  time,"  said  Harvey,  "for  you  have  been 
considerably  accustomed  to  the  sea." 

"  But  she  never  jumped  so  much  as  this  before,"  said 
Fellows.  "  Put  her  back  into  smooth  water,  Harvey ! 
for  this  is  too  bad." 

"Where  shall  we  go?"    '^ 

"  Oh  !  anywhere.  In  the  Downs  I  think  will  be  safe 
and  comfortable." 

In  a  short  time  the  vessel  assumed  a  diiFerent  motion, 
for  having  fallen  off  from  the  head  sea,  she  was  running 
before  it  quite  steadily.  She  rounded  the  North  Eore- 
land,  and  anchored  in  smooth  water. 

"  There  ! "  exclaimed  Fellows  with  joy,  "  we  will  re- 
main here  until  there  is  a  change  in  wind  and  weather. 
I  declare  I  never  before  suffered  so  much  with  sea-sick- 
ness." 

"  Spa-sickness  is  indeed  a  disagreeable  sensation," 
said  Harvey, —  "  well  I  remember  the  agonies  I  exper- 
ienced from  it,  when  I  commenced  my  career  as  a  sail- 
or." 

"  It  is  the  most  unpleasant  feeling  I  ever  yet  exper- 
ienced," joined  Fellows,  "  excepting  that  caused  by  a 
death  sentence." 

"  To  change  the  subject,"  said  Harvey,  "  we  will 
not  lose  by  seeking  anchorage  here,  perhaps,  as  there 
are  many  French  cruisers  in  the  channel,  and  of  course 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  157 

with  a  fair  wind  we  will  run  less  risk  than  with  an  un- 
fair one,  for  with  the  former  we  can  at  all  times  keep 
within  close  reach  of  the  English  shore;  but  with  the 
latter  we  must  stand  out  into  the  channel  to  a  consider- 
able distance,  otherwise  we  could  accomplish  nothing 
by  our  tacks." 

"  What  would  be  the  consequence  if  we  were  taken 
by  a  French  cruiser  ?  "  asked  Fellows. 

"Imprisonment  in  France  until  the  close  of  the  war, 
and  there  is  no  telling  when  the  war  will  terminate. 
But  without  regard  to  the  war's  end,  our  chance  of  re- 
lease to  enjoy  this  life  would  be  very  slim  in  one  of 
those  deuced  prisons,  for  they  are  densely  crowded,  and 
much  sickness  and  many  deaths  occur  within  their 
walls." 

"And  the  brigantine  would  be  confiscated  to  the 
government,"  said  Fellows,  "  but  I  would  not  care  that 
for  her  loss,"  continued  he,  snapping  his  finger,  "  for  I 
could  easily  buy  another,  and  one,  too,  that  would  not 
make  me  sea-sick,  nor  be  out-sailed  by  every  vessel-of- 
war  in  the  channel." 

The  captain  did  not  like  this  last  remark,  as  he  was 
proud  of  the  vessel  he  commanded,  and  especially  had 
a  high  opinion  of  her  sailing  qualities,  notwithstanding 
that  she  had  been  beaten  by  a  frigate.  He  was  well 
convinced  that  the  cause  of  her  being  out-sailed  in  the 
instance  referred  to  was  to  be  attributed  to  the  superior 
size  of  the  frigate,  and  particularly  to  her  length,  rather 
than  to  any  superiority  in  model.  He  therefore  assert- 
ed to  Fellows,  that  it  was  very  easy  to  purchase  another 
vessel,  but  would  be  not  so  easy  to  find  another 
Nancy. 

"  I  do  not  have  as  high  opinion  of  her  as  you  seem 
to  have,"  said  Fellows, —  "  she  came  near  losing  my  life 


158  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

for  lack  of  better  sailing  qualities,  and  now  to-day  has 
plunged  so  furiously  that  she  has  made  me  sea-sick  as 
a  dog." 

The  captain  laughed  heartily  at  this  last  cause  of 
complaint,  as  persons  not  used  to  the  sea  are  liable  to 
be  sick  on  board  of  any  craft  of  the  size  of  the  Nancy 
in  rough  weather. 

On  the  following  morning,  the  wind  having  changed 
to  the  northeast,  the  Nancy  got  imderway  and  sailed 
before  a  favorable  breeze  on  her  destined  track  down 
the  channel. 

She  kept  close  to  the  Enghsh  coast  all  the  way  to 
avoid  the  enemy's  cruisers,  and,  having  a  fresh  breeze, 
made  the  run  to  the  entrance  of  Plymouth  harbor  in  a 
little  more  than  twenty  hours.  As  he  gave  orders  to 
have  the  studdingsails  doused,  gear  unrove,  booms 
rigged  in,  light  sails  furled,  and  other  preparations 
made  to  enter  port,  Harvey  said  goodnature dly  to 
Pellows,  "  The  Nancy  can't  sail  any,  eh  !  She  has  only 
passed  twenty-two  vessels  coming  down  channel,  and 
some  of  them  fast-looking  crafts,  too." 

"  Do  not  mention  it,  I  beg  of  you,"  said  Fellows. 
"We  have,  it  is  true,  out-sailed  a  few  slow  old  tubs,  but 
had  a  man-of-war  or  any  other  good  saihng  craft  been 
on  our  course,  we  would  have  been  beaten." 

"  We  cannot  expect  to  sail  with  large  frigates,"  said 
Harvey,  "  particularly  in  strong  breezes." 

"  What  is  the  good  of  a  vessel  to  us,  then,"  cried 
Fellows,  "  if  she  can  not  out-sail  ships  of  war?  TVe 
surely  do  not  stand  in  fear  of  merchantmen  !  But  I'll 
say  no  more,  as  I  do  not  intend  to  risk  myself  in  this 
way  much  longer." 

"  You  are  really  severe,"  said  Harvey,  "  to  condemn 
your  own  Nancy.  With  your  permission,  I  will  risk 
my  life  in  her  some  time  yet." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  159 

"  I  do  not  say  that  the  vessel  does  not  sail  at  all," 
said  Fellows,  "  but  there  are  others,  I  am  sure,  that  are 
much  faster." 

The  brigantine  entered  the  harbor,  and,  having  sailed 
through  the  anchored  shipping,  came  to,  near  the  town. 
Fellows  pointed  his  glass  up  Pell  street,  and  as  it  rest- 
ed on  the  sloping  front  of  the  inn,  a  hundred  pleasant 
and  happy  emotions  filled  his  bosom.  The  boat  was 
quickly  manned,  and  he  was  set  ashore,  and  walking  up 
the  street,  entered  the  inn. 

"  Mr.  Carey's  come,"  said  Eose,  a  trusty  servant- 
maid,  who  had  been  in  the  family  for  years. 

"  Indeed  !  "  calmly  remarked  Kate. 

"  Are  you  not  glad  he  has  returned  ?"  inquired  Eose. 
*'  He  is  so  gentlemanly,  and  then  he  gave  me  a  pound 
for  my  attention  to  him,  when  he  left." 

"  It  is  customary  for  gentlemen  to  give  the  servants 
money,  when  leaving  an  inn,"  observed  Kate. 

"  But  from  all  who  have  lodged  here,"  said  she,  "  I 
have  only  received  a  trifling  amount  excepting  from 
him.  But  here  he  comes  with  master  !  I'll  run  to  the 
kitchen,"  and  away  she  bounded,  while  Kate  entered 
the  parlor. 

Mr.  Pederson  conducted  Fellows  to  the  parlor,  and 
as  the  latter  extended  his  hand  to  the  lovely  Kate,  he 
regretted  that  circumstances  had  not  made  him  ac- 
quainted with  her  before  any  one  else  had  laid  claim  to 
her  affections.  But  he  became  all  the  more  determined 
to  win  her  for  himself. 

He  became  seated,  and  looking  at  her  affectionately, 
remarked  to  Mr.  Pederson  that  he  was  highl}^  pleased 
to  see  them  looking  so  well ;  and  asked  if  they  had 
both  enjoyed  good  health  during  his  absence. 

"  We  have,"  kindly  answered  Mr.  Pederson. 


160  LIEUTENANT  COLBORX, 

"  You,"  she  continued,  "  have  been  staying  princi- 
pally at  London,  1  presume." 

"I  have." 

"  How  did  you  find  your  mother,  of  whom  I  have 
,heard  you  speak  ?  "  asked  Kate. 

"  Quite  well,  I  thank  you,  in  fact,  I  have  never  known 
her  enjoying  better  health." 

"  I  am  happy  to  see  that  you  are  pleased  enough  with 
Plymouth  to  visit  it  again,"  said  Mr.  Pederson. 

"  I  am  well  pleased  with  Plymouth,  but  much  more 
so  with  my  friends  resident  here,"  casting  a  look  at 
Kate. 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  you  say  so,"  said  Mr.  Pederson, 
"  and  I  can  assure  you  that  we  are  as  well  pleased  with 
yourself." 

Pellows  thanked  him  gracefully,  and  looking  at  them 
both,  said  smihngly  — 

"  I  intend  remaining  a  few  weeks  at  Plymouth,  and 
it  remains  with  you  and  your  amiable  daughter  wheth- 
er I  shall  stop  here  at  the  inn  or  not." 

The  old  man  had  harbored  a  fancy  for  his  guest  from 
their  first  acquaintance,  and  now  said,  "  My  dear  Mr. 
Carey,  w^hile  I  have  a  home,  you  shall  always  be  wel- 
come within  its  walls, —  we  place  our  accommodations 
at  your  disposal.  Come  and  welcome,  and  be  assured 
that  my  dutiful  daughter  w^ill  agree  with  me.  Will 
you  not,  Kate  ?  " 

"  Yes,  father,  I  am  ahvays  willing  and  pleased  to 
accede  to  your  wishes." 

"A  bottle  of  wine  here,  waiter!''  called  out  Mr. 
Pederson,  wishing  to  drink  his  friend's  health. 

The  waiter  was  down  stairs,  and  Pose,  glad  of  the 
opportunity,  ran  to  the  side-board  and  grasping  a  bot- 
tle of  port,  a  tray,  and  three  glasses,  ran  as  far  as 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  161 

the  parlor  door  before  she  noticed  that  she  had  forgot- 
ten the  cork-screw.  She  hurried  back  in  search  of  it, 
and  Mr.  Pederson,  impatient,  called  out  at  the  top  of 
his  lungs,  "  Waiter  !  "  Eose  became  completely  con- 
fused, and  as  she  could  not  immediately  lind  the  cork- 
screw, all  she  could  do  was  to  cry  "  Coming,  sir,"  for 
fear  the  waiter  below  would  hear  the  call,  and  thus  by 
obeying  deprive  her  of  meeting  the  kind,  good,  and 
generous  Mr.  Carey. 

At  last  she  found  it,  and  bounded  into  the  parlor. 
Carey  spoke  to  her  pleasantly,  and  after  pouring  out 
the  wine,  she  withdrew  from  the  room.  The  trio  drank 
the  contents  of  the  bottle  in  friendship,  and  after  some 
further  conversation,  Mr.  Pederson  begged  to  be  ex- 
cused, as  his  business  called  him  to  the  bar-room,  and 
having  mentioned  that  Kate  would  entertain  him,  he 
left  the  room. 

"  Just  what  I  wish,"  thought  Fellows, —  "now  I  can 
tell  her  how  devotedly  I  love  her." 

But  some  how  or  other,  the  proper  words  did'nt 
come.  He  brought  the  glass  again  and  again  to  his 
lips,  but  the  moment  he  essayed  to  speak,  his  heart  be- 
gan to  palpitate ;  his  utterance  became  choked,  and  in 
confusion  he  cast  his  eyes  to  the  floor.  Yes,  the  man 
who  could-face  an  armed  traveller  to  demand  his  money, 
without  a  shudder;  who  had  heard  his  sentence 
of  death  pronounced  without  changing  countenance; 
who  had  mounted  the  decks  of  a  ship  in  combat,  with- 
out fear, — could  not  meet  the  innocent  look  of  a  virtu- 
ous girl,  and  tell  her  he  loved  her.  At  length  he  stam- 
mered forth  something  upon  another  subject,  for  his 
intention  to  speak  to  her  of  love  had  proved  a  failure. 
Kate  turned  her  head  as  if  to  look  from  the  window, 
and  concealed  her  disposition  to  laugh  from  his  view ; 
8* 


162  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

still,  fearing  she  should  hear  the  declaration  she  per- 
ceived he  had  essayed  to  make  ;  and,  not  wishing  to  of- 
fend him  by  making  the  only  answer  her  feelings,  honor, 
or  promise  would  allow,  she  pretended  her  domestic  af- 
fairs demanded  her  attention,  and  begging  he  would 
excuse  her,  left  the  room. 

"Father,"  said  she,  coming  into  the  presence  of  her 
parent,  "  I  wish  you  would  kindly  inform  Mr.  Carey,  as 
early  as  possible,  that  I  am  engaged.  I  do  not  wish  to 
offend  him,  and  I  am  sure  I  shall  be  obliged  to  do  so  be- 
fore long,  if  you  do  not,  as  he  nearly  made  an  offer  of 
marriage,  after  you  left  the  parlor." 

"  How  will  you  be  obhged  to  offend  him  ?"  asked  Mr? 
Pederson. 

"  By  refusing  him  my  hand." 

''  1  cannot  perceive,"  said  Mr.  Pederson,  "  why  it 
ought  to  offend  a  gentleman,  because  a  lady  does  not 
feel  disposed  to  accept  of  him  for  a  husband!  But 
certainly  it  would  offend  him  to  warn  him  not  to  honor 
you  with  an  offer,  when  perhaps  he  has  no  intention  of 
so  doing." 

"  Ahow  me  to  know,  dear  father;  you  are  aware  that 
the  perceptive  faculties  of  women  are  keener  than 
those  of  men." 

"  Tut,  tut !  my  dear  child.  Your  perceptions  are  no 
sharper,  nor  yet  so  sharp  as  those  of  your  old  father  ; 
so  let  things  take  their  own  way.  If  Mr.  Carey  offers 
himself  to  you,  I  do  not  see  that  you  are  obliged  to  of- 
fend him." 

"  But  I  must  refuse  him,"  cried  Kate. 

"  I  do  not  see  that  you  are  obliged  to  refuse  him," 
said  her  father,  calmly,  "  for  I  have  my  doubts  about 
your  ever  seeing  that  lieutenant  again." 

"  And  why  not,  father  ?  " 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  163 

"  Because  he'll  forget  you  before  that  frigate's  cruise 
is  half  over." 

Kate  turned  away  suddenly,  and  wiped  the  tears  from 
her  eyes. 

"  Come,  my  child,  do  not  weep ;  perhaps  Mr.  Colborn 
tcill  prove  faithful  and  honorable,  and  make  you  his 
wife;  but," — shaking  his  head  —  "I  fear  me  trouble 
and  disappointment  will  come  of  the  affair  if  he  should. 
There  is  such  a  great  difference  in  the  standing  of  our 
two  famihes,  it  is  very  unreasonable  to  predict  that  hap- 
piness will  follow  such  an  union." 

"  But  I  am  confident  of  Mr.  Colborn's  honor,"  said 
Kate. 

"  Be  that  as  it  may,  my  daughter,  I  do  not  think  it 
at  all  advisable  to  speak  to  Mr.  Carey  upon  this  sub- 
ject." And  as  he  spoke  he  pressed  her  hand,  and  left 
her. 

Kate  evaded  any  private  interview  with  Fellows,  al- 
though she  was  at  all  times  friendly  and  loquacious  m 
his  society. 

On  the  following  Sabbath,  while  Kate  had  gone  to 
church,  Mr.  Pederson  was  seated  alone  in  the  sitting- 
room  smoking  his  pipe,  when  Fellows  entered  and  seat- 
ing himself  by  the  fire,  joined  him  in  a  friendly  smoke. 

"  We  have  been  always  friendly,  Mr.  Pederson,  and 
I  am  quite  happy  in  your  own  and  daughter's  society ; 
and  I  —  hem  —  I  have  been  wishing  for  an  opportunity 
like  this  to  ask  your  permission  to  pay  my  addresses  to 
her." 

Mr.  Pederson  puffed  from  his  mouth  a  column  of 
smoke  larger  than  usual  and  answered  that  he  certain- 
ly had  no  objections ;  "but  " — and  he  inhaled  and  puffed 
away  the  smoke  from  his  pipe  three  times  before  he 
finished  the  sentence, — "  but  she  is  already  betrothed 
to  a  lieutenant  in  the  navy,  or  at  least,  thinks  she  is." 


164  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  And  why  should  there  be  a  doubt  upon  the  sub- 
ject ?  "  asked  Fellows,  hoping  there  might  be  a  flaw  in 
the  engagement, — "  but  perhaps  I  am  going  too  far.  I 
humbly  beg  your  pardon  for  so  pressingly  asking  a 
question." 

"  No  offense  !  no  offense  !  "  exclaimed  Mr.  Pederson, 
"  do  not  mention  it.  The  family  of  the  lieutenant,"  he 
continued,  "  is  so  far  above  mine  that  it  is  my  opinion 
there  would  be  an  endless  quarrel  between  us.  As  a 
matter  of  course,  they  would  not  know  me,  and  Kate, 
I  am  sure,  will  not  forsake  her  old  father  for  any  man. 
And  in  truth,  I  would  much  rather  she  should  be  unit- 
ed to  a  family  of  our  own  station  in  society." 

The  dark  eyes  of  Fellows  sparkled  with  joy  at  this 
announcement,  as  he  considered  it  to  be  a  hint  of  encour- 
agement to  himself. 

"I  shall  not,  however,"  continued  Mr.  Pederson,  "in- 
terfere with  her  choice  —  but  here  she  comes." 

After  dinner,  Fellows,  having  been  encouraged  by  the 
conversation  with  Mr.  Pederson,  fearlessly'  stepped  to- 
wards Kate,  and  asked  her  if  she  would  favor  him  with 
a  little  private  com^rsation. 

"  I  will  do  so,"  she  answered,  "  there  can  certainly  be 
no  harm  in  complying  with  such  a  request,"  and  she  led 
the  way  to  the  parlor  where  they  seated  themselves  at 
opposite  sides  of  the  stand. 

"  Your  father  and  myself  have  had  some  confidential 
conversation  this  morning,  during  which  I  ventured  to 
ask  of  him  the  blessed  privilege  of  paying  my  address- 
es to  his  lovely  daughter ;  and  his  answer  was  propi- 
tious to  my  wishes." 

"  And  do  you  consider  that  sufficient?"  asked  Kate, 
a  little  ironically. 

"  By  no  means,"  he  hastily  answered,  seeing  his  error, 
"  I  humbly  beg  your  pardon.     I  acknowledge   that  I 


oil  THE  DISINnERITED.  165 

neglected  to  ask  your  consent  in  my  confusion,  an  omis- 
sion which  I  hope  you  will  forgive.  And  now,  dear 
Kato,  I  humbly  ask  of  you  the  priceless  privilege  that  I 
asked  this  morning  of  your  father." 

"  And  what  else  did  my  father  say  to  you  ?  "  she 
asked,  without  yet  answering  his  question. 

"  That  you  w^as  betrothed  to  Mr.  Colborn,  a  lieuten- 
ant in  the  navy." 

"  Then,  good  sir,  let  that  be  my  answer  to  5^ou,"  said 
Kate,  assuming  a  serious  air,  and  she  arose  and  walked 
to  the  window. 

"  I  hope  I  have  not  offended  you  by  possessing  an 
overshare  of  love  for  you.  1  did  not  create  it  myself, 
and  only  regret  that  you  seem  to  censure  me  for  hav- 
ing encouraged  the  passion." 

At  this  frank  and  honorable  acknowledgment,  Kate 
became  touched,  and  answered,  "  I  acknowledge  your 
kind  and  complimentary  intention  towards  me,  and  am 
very  grateful  to  you  for  it,  but  my  gratitude  must  be 
that  of  a  friend." 

Thus  speaking,  she  led  the  w^ay  from  the  room,  and 
they  joined  the  family  as  friends. 

As  this  plain  refusal  debarred  any  further  attempt  to 
gain  her  affections  at  present,  Fellows  determined  to 
try  the  other  object  which  had  an  influence  upon  him 
in  leaving  London,  viz  : —  the  visiting  of  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Winchester  to  endeavor  to  recover  the  treasures 
concealed  by  him  and  Fletcher  in  that  vicinity.  It  was 
extremely  risky  for  him  to  show  himself  in  that  quarter, 
as  there  were  many  persons  in  and  about  the  town  who 
would  be  likely  to  recognize  him  —  if  he  should  unfor- 
tunately meet  them  —  and  thus  lead  to  his  arrest  and 
execution  ;  but  risk  and  danger  seemed  to  have  a  charm 
to  him,  especially  when  taken  in  connection  with  the 
prospect  of  immense  gain,  as  in  the  present  case. 


166  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

The  brigantine  was  observed  to  have  all  sail  set  but 
her  jibs  on  the  following  morning,  and  as  her  cable  was 
hove  short,  she  appeared  to  be  only  waiting  for  some 
one  on  shore  before  starting  off. 

"  Harvey  appears  to  be  drying  his  sails  this  morning," 
said  Mr.  Pederson,  as  they  seated  themselves  at  the 
breakfast  table. 

"  No,  sir,"  returned  Fellows,  "  the  brigantine  is  about 
to  proceed  on  a  trip  up  the  channel,  and  I  shall  leave 
in  her." 

"  What !  so  suddenly  !  I  had  hoped  we  were  to  have 
your  company  longer." 

"  Business,  sir,"  said  Fellows,  "  business  must  be  at- 
tended to." 

"  I  regret  to  have  you  go,"  said  Mr.  Pederson,  "■  but 
business  always  before  pleasure.  How  long  before 
your  return  ?" 

"  In  about  a  week,  if  I  am  not  disappointed,"  was  the 
reply. 

Eose  peeped  through  the  kitchen  door  as  if  to  say,  "I 
wonder  if  he'll  give  me  a  pound  this  time." 

The  breakfast  over,  Fellows  paid  his  bill,  gave  JRose 
her  expected  perquisite,  and  having  bid  Kate  a  friendly 
adieu,  was  accompanied  by  Mr.  Pederson  to  the  land- 
ing. After  a  short  conversation  between  them,  in  which 
the  old  man  invited  him  kindly  to  return  again  as  early 
as  possible,  Fellows  shook  him  warmly  by  the  hand, 
stepped  into  the  waiting  boat,  and  soon  was  on  board 
his  vessel.  As  he  ascended  the  deck,  the  anchor  was 
tripped,  the  jibs  run  up,  the  head  yards  hauled  around, 
and  the  Nancy  in  a  few  minutes  was  standing  out  of 
the  harbor.  Fellows  gazed  first  at  the  old  man  upon 
the  shore,  then  at  the  inn  that  contained  the  old  man's 
pretty  daughter,  and  he  could  but  think  that  there  in 
that  house,  which  had  a  far  better  appearance  to  him 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  167 

than  any  other,  was  she  who  would  yet  be  his  wife,  not- 
withstanding so  many  obstacles  stared  him  in  the  face. 
"  It  is  true  that  I  am  disappointed,"  he  mentally  said, 
«  for  that  fortunate  lieutenant  has  won  her  heart,  but 
yet  her  father  favors  me,  and  has  hinted  that  he  some- 
times thought  the  aristocrat  would  never  more  visit  his 
daughter.  Indeed,  it  looks  very  reasonable,  for  why 
should  a  man  of  such  an  elevated  family  wish  to  seek 
in  marriage  a  person  so  much  beneath  him  ?  Nonsense  ! 
my  chance  is  pretty  good  yet;  if  he  abandons  her  I  shall 
be  at  once  accepted.  Foolish  girl !  she  has  confidence 
in  his  honor,  and  beheves  he  will  do  all  he  has  promised, 
when  lo  !  he  has  never  written  her  a  line  !  Zounds  ! 
my  chance  is  better ;  I  have  Rose  in  my  favor, 
thanks  to  the  fees  which  I  have  put  in  her  hands  !  I 
am  confident  she  would  do  almost  anything  for  me,  her 
every  action  shows  it.  I'll  go  to  get  my  treasures,  but 
will  return  to  question  Eose,  and  renew  my  suit  with 
her  I  love." 


168 


CHAPTEE    XIX. 

THE    UNSUCCESSFUL    SEARCH. 

On  arriving  at  Hui'st,  numerous  recollections  of  by- 
gone transactions  ran  through  the  mind  of  Fellows. 
He  thought  of  the  evening  that  he  stepped  on  board  of 
his  vessel  in  that  same  harbor,  after  his  singular  escape. 
And  yet  he  was  not  satisfied,  but  would  run  still  greater 
risks.  "  If,"  said  he,  mentally,  •'  I  can  obtain  the  hand 
of  Kate,  and  regain  this  treasure,  I  shall  be  happy." 
But  even  if  such  good  fortune  should  crown  his  efforts 
at  last,  he  would  not  then  be  satisfied.  Xo  !  the  mind 
of  man  is  never  satisfied. 

He  instructed  Harvey  to  remain  at  Hurst  with  the 
vessel  until  he  returned,  and  soon  after  entered  a  stage 
coach  for  the  interior.  Having  remained  in  the  coach 
the  entire  day,  during  which  time  he  had  been  tossed 
from  side  to  side  in  the  old-fashioned  way,  he  halted  at 
a  small  village  for  the  night. 

He  was  very  much  fatigued,  and  after  partaking  of 
a  repast  that  he  also  stood  very  much  in  need  of,  he 
called  for  a  Hght,  and  wished  to  be  directed  to  his  room. 

The  landlord  begged  his  pardon  for  having  to  place 
him  in  the  room  with  another  person,  but  it  could 
not  be  helped,  as  there  was  no  vacant  room  in  the 
house.  "  Xever  mind,"  said  Fellows,  "  as  it  is  only  for 
a  night,"  and  soon  himself  and  room-mate  were  sound 
asleep.  At  midnight,  his  companion  raised  his  head 
from  his  pillow,  and  rc-lighting  the  lamp,  seemed  to  sur- 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  169 

vey  the  broad  features  of  Fellows,  as  if  with  a  suspicion 
that  he  had  seen  them  before.  He  threw  his  feet  out 
of  the  bed,  and  placing  them  carefully  on  the  floor,  re- 
newed his  look.  With  a  slight  nod  of  the  head,  he 
stood  for  an  instant  as  if  to  ascertain  whether  the  little 
noise  he  had  made  had  awakened  Fellows.  But  the 
loud  respirations  of  the  latter  told  at  once  that  he  had 
not  been  disturbed,  and  was  still  in  profound  sleep. 
The  stranger  now  advanced  to  the  side  of  Fellow^s'  bed, 
and  placing  the  light  so  that  the  full  rays  would  fall 
upon  his  face,  tried  that  experiment  to  ascertain 
how  sound  asleep  he  really  was.  But  the  rays  of  the 
lamp  had  no  effect  on  the  drowsy  sleeper,  and  he  con- 
tinued to  snore  as  before. 

"  It  is  he ! "  said  the  disguised  policeman,  for  such 
was  the  room-mate  of  the  tired  Fellows,  "  I  had  him  in 
charge  at  Winchester,  and  cannot  be  mistaken,  and  if 
I  arrest  him,  it  will  do  me  great  credit,  and  I  shall  no 
doubt  receive  a  large  reward.  I'll  arrest  him  at  once  ! 
Yet  he  is  a  pov»'erful  man,  and  may  escape  from  me,  un- 
less I  obtain  assistance.  Fie !  I  afraid  that  one  man 
will  get  away  from  me  !  nonsense  !  I  wonder  how  he 
can  be  so  unwise  as  to  venture  here  in  these  parts,  after 
having  committed  such  high-handed  oftenses.  But 
that's  neither  here  nor  there.  I'll  awake  him.  Heigho  ! 
stranger,  awake !     You  are  my prisoner  ! " 

"AYhat  do  you  wish?"  demanded  Fellows,  as  he 
opened  his  large  black  eyes,  and  stared  wildly  upon 
the  other. 

"  By  Heaven  !"  exclaimed  the  astonished  policeman, 
"it  is  not  he  after  all." 

"  It  is  not  who  } "  asked  Fellows. 

"  Nobody  !  I  was  frightened  in  my  sleep  !  Did  you 
not  hear  the  noise  ? " 


170  LIEUTENANT  COLBOEN, 

"  Noise  !  what  noise  ?  You  must  have  been  dream- 
ing.    Go  to  bed  again,  and  don't  be  foolish." 

The  pohceman  perfectly  convinced  that  he  had  com- 
mitted an  error,  gladly  got  into  bed,  quite  ashamed  of 
himself  for  his  supposed  blunder. 

After  breakfast,  on  the  next  morning,  they  paid  their 
bills  at  the  office  respectively,  and  entering  the  stage- 
coach proceeded  on  their  journey. 

"  Are  you  not  subject  to  frightful  dreams  ?"  asked 
Fellows,  casting  upon  his  companion  a  penetrating  look. 

"  I  am  not,"  answered  the  artful  policeman,  "  but 
somehow  or  other,  I  heard  a  strange  and  suspicious 
noise  in  that  inn  last  night,  and  very  naturally  rushed 
to  your  bedside." 

"  Then  you  were  frightened  by  a  noise  ?  "  said  Eel- 
lows,  still  looking  at  him. 

The  policeman  was  smart,  but  he  saw  plainly  that 
his  fellow-traveller  was  quite  a  match  for  him. 

"  No !  I  can  not  acknowledge  that  any  noise  can 
frighten  me,"  repUed  he,  well  knowing  that  Fellows 
would  be  apt  to  insinuate  that  those  who  are  frightened 
at  mere  sounds  may  be  cowards,  if  he  admitted  that 
he  had  been  frightened. 

"  Now,  you  have  contradicted  yourself,"  said  the  wily 
Fellows,  with  a  smile.  "  I  have  caught  you  in  your 
own  trap.  What  I  wish  to  know,"  and  as  he  spoke, 
he  looked  at  him  meaningly,  "  is  why  you  were  at  my 
bedside?" 

The  policeman  hesitated,  for  he  could  not  invent 
answers  as  quickly  as  his  opponent  could  ask  questions, 
and  he  was  thrown  ofi'  his  guard. 

"Why  did  3'ou  ask  me  if  I  had  heard  the  noise?" 
continued  Fellows,  "  and  why  did  you  appear  fright- 
ened, if  you  do  not  fear  sounds  ?" 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  171 

"  Oh !  I  assure  you  I  do  not  fear  any  noise,"  stam- 
mered the  policeman. 

"  Then,  sir,  you  had  no  right  there,  and  as  you  show 
so  much  guilt  in  your  countenance,  I  shall  look  out  for 
you.     Do  you  understand  ?" 

Fellows  had  made  these  remarks  in  an  elevated  voice, 
having  become  considerably  excited ;  and  unfortunate- 
ly for  him  those  shrill  tones  seemed  familiar  to  the  ears 
of  the  policeman,  and  again  aroused  his  suspicions. 

"  I  declare  I  have  heard  that  voice  before,"  said  the 
policeman  to  himself;  and  at  the  same  time  surveyed 
again  the  marked  features  of  his  fellow-travel er.  "  Were 
it  not  for  the  changed  look  of  his  dark  eyes,  I  would 
certainly  say  that  he  is  the  very  man  who  escaped  from 
our  hands  at  Winchester.  But  I  will  try  him  on  this 
point." 

"  Who  do  you  think  I  am,  and  what  my  occupation, 
that  you  say  you  shall  look  out  for  me  ?  Think  you  I 
am  not  what  I  seem  ?     Think  you  I  am  a  pickpocket?" 

"That  you  are  a  pickpocket  I  will  not  deny,"  said 
Fellows,  sarcastically,  "and your  occupation  is  that  of  a 
policeman." 

It  had  only  struck  him  at  that  instant  that  such  was 
the  occupation  of  the  stranger ;  but  fearing  he  might 
b@  recognized,  he  took  this  bold  stand  as  being  the  sur- 
est way  of  diverting  any  suspicion  as  to  his  identity 
that  might  be  lurking  in  the  policeman's  breast. 

"  Why  do  you  take  me  to  be  a  poHceman?  Is  it  be- 
cause you  have  been  once  in  my  power,  and  are  now 
again  ?  " 

These  were  questions  that  under  like  circumstances 
would  have  disconcerted  any  other  man  than  Fellows. 
But  he  changed  not  a  muscle,  while  the  other  passen- 
gers gazed  at  him  with  astonishment.     He  knew  well 


172  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

what  was  passing  in  the  poUceman's  mind,  and  that  if 
recognized  fully  there  were  many  in  the  coach  who 
would  willingly  assist  in  his  arrest.  Upon  his  answer, 
then,  depended  his  chance  of  escape. 

"I  said  I  took  you  to  be  a  poUceman,"  replied  Fel- 
lows, "  yet  all  the  while  I  know  you  to  be  a  pickpocket, 
and  being  a  policeman  myself,  I  make  this  my  business 
to  arrest  you.  Sir,  you  are  my  prisoner  !"  and  as  he 
spoke,  he  assumed  an  air  of  importance,  and  seized  the 
astonished  officer  by  the  collar. 

"  What  do  you  mean,"  stammered  the  policeman, 
"  Let  go  of  me !  Til  arrest  you  for  assaulting  an  officer  ! 
Let  go  of  me,  I  say  ! "  and  he  struggled  to  free  himself 
from  his  grasp. 

"  I  call  upon  you,  good  citizens,  in  the  name  of  the 
king,''  cried  the  self-made  officer,  "  to  assist  me  in  ar- 
resting this  vagabond  !  and  you  well  know  the  punish- 
ment for  refusing  to  assist  a  servant  of  the  king,  in  time 
of  danger." 

*'  I'm  no  vagabond,"  cried  the  now  astonished  officer, 
"  but  a  policeman  in  disguise.  Oh  !  good  friends,  take 
this  fellow  from  me,"  continued  he,  as  Fellows  roughly 
hurled  him  from  side  to  side. 

"  Assist  me!"  again  demanded  Fellows,  "  this  fellow 
is  a  thief!" 

"  That  we  will ! "  cried  several  of  the  passengers,  and 
the  next  instant  the  policeman  was  seized,  on  all  sides, 
while  some  called  on  the  postillion  to  stop  the  coach. 

"  'Tis  false  !  'tis  false  !  I'm  not  a  thief!  I  am  a  po- 
liceman." 

"  What  shall  we  do  with  the  wretch  ?"  asked  a  pas- 
senger of  Fellows. 

'•  Oh  ! "  cried  the  policeman,  "  how  can  Heaven  look 
down  and  witness  such  injustice  ?" 


OR  TUB  DISINHERITED.  173 

"  What  blasphemy  !"  said  another. 

"  Look  here  !  "  called  out  the  postillion,  "  I  can't  stop 
hei'e  this  way,  I  must  drive  on." 

"  Well,  drive  on  then  !"  said  Fellows,  "  and  we'll  put 
him  out,"  and  as  the  stage  moved  on  again,  they  thrust 
him  out,  closing  the  door  after  him,  and  he  fell  to  the 
ground,  shouting  at  the  height  of  his  voice,  "  a  pretty 
way  this,  to  treat  a  policeman  ! " 

Fellows  looked  behind  as  the  stage  rolled  away,  and 
as  he  saw  the  cast-out  brushing  the  dirt  from  his  clothes, 
he  smiled,  saying  to  himself,  "  Perhaps  the  next  time  he 
meets  me,  he  maij  recognize  me." 

It  was  not  until  the  third  day  after  the  occurrence 
above  related,  that  the  tall  spires  of  AYinchester  became 
visible ;  and  as  Fellows  had  made  up  his  mind  to  show 
himself  as  little  as  possible  in  that  vicinity,  he  was  re- 
joiced when  the  vehicle  stopped  at  the  landing  opposite 
that  goodly  town.  He  did  not  cross  the  river,  for  the 
death  sentence  had  too  recently  rung  in  his  ears  to  make 
him  desirous  of  seeing  its  streets,  but  proceeded  north- 
wardly on  foot  along  its  banks,  towards  the  woods  where 
the  treasure  was  concealed.  It  was  dark  when  he  ar- 
rived at  the  edge  of  the  wood,  and  being  much  fatigued 
and  hungry,  he  tapped  at  the  door  of  a  small  lonely  cot- 
tage that  stood  on  uncultivated  ground,  so  much  sur- 
rounded by  the  tali  trees  that  nothing  but  its  extreme 
top  could  be  seen. 

An  elderly  man,  clad  in  coarse  and  cheap  habiliments, 
answered  the  summons. 

"  I  am  a  traveler,"  said  Fellows,  "  worn-out  and  hun- 
gry, and  I  have  lost  my  way.  Will  you  do  me  the 
favor  to  get  me  a  supper,  and  find  me  a  bed  for  the 
night?" 

"  We  are  very  poor,"  answered  the  old  man,  "  but 


174 

walk  in,  and  such  as  we  have  my  old  w6man  will  give 
you,  but  we  cannot  lodge  a  gentleman  like  you  in  our 
house,  our  rooms  are  so  small." 

"  Good  enough  !  good  enough  ! "  said  Fellows  as  he 
entered,  ''  but  first  give  me  something  to  eat,  and  we'll 
talk  about  other  matters  afterwards." 

"  By  the  Virgin  Mary,"  cried  out  the  old  man,  "  he 
looks  hungry  and  way-worn,  so  bring  on  all  jou.  have, 
Moll.  Sit  down,  sir,  sit  down,"  continued  he,  turning 
to  his  guest ;  and  Fellows  seated  himself  at  a  small  oak 
table  that  stood  in  the  center  of  the  room. 

The  old  woman  was  neatly,  but  like  her  husband, 
poorly  clad.  Her  form  was  considerably  bent  with  age, 
yet  she  was  quite  active,  and  bid  fair  to  live  much  longer 
than  many  who  had  not  seen  half  her  years.  They  lived 
alone  in  the  little  cottage,  their  children  had  been  mar- 
ried off,  and  like  a  nest  of  birds  had  flown  away,  and 
left  the  old  ones  to  age  and  loneliness.  She  brought 
in  a  loaf  of  bread  and  a  piece  of  meat,  and  placed  them 
on  the  table  before  Fellows. 

"  I'll  make  it  right  with  you,"  said  the  latter,  as  he 
cut  into  the  food,  and  began  to  eat  voraciously.  "  I  will 
pay  you  well  for  this,  either  now  cr  in  the  morning." 
She  brought  on  some  potatoes  and  a  cup  of  tea;  and 
Fellows,  having  satiated  his  appetite,  thanked  the  good 
old  people.  "  And  now  for  a  bed,"  thought  he,  but  on 
looking  around  the  room  every  thing  bespoke  so  much 
want,  that  he  began  to  doubt  if  there  really  was  such 
an  article  in  the  house.  Three  oaken  chairs  —  the  backs 
of  which  reached  far  above  one's  head  when  seated  — 
were  the  only  articles  of  furniture  to  be  seen.  A  small 
narrow  shelf,  above  a  large  fire-place,  supported  a  Bible, 
the  ancient  covers  of  which  were  really  a  curiosity.  On 
one  side  was  placed  a  lamp,  which  threw  out  a  dim 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED. 


175 


light,  hardly  perceptible  in  the  blaze  of  the  wood  upon 
the  andirons  in  the  fire-place.  Two  small  windows  hav- 
ing very  small  panes  of  glass,  lighted  the  room  by  day, 
and  were  partly  covered  by  white  cotton  cloth,  suspend- 
ed by  a  string  as  curtains. 

Fellows  joined  the  old  man  in  a  smoke,  and  the  trio 
became  quite  talkative. 

"Have  you  lived  here  long?"  he  asked,  hoping  to 
draw  some  conversation  from  them  about  the  arrest  of 
himself  and  Fletcher. 

"  More  than  twenty  years,"  answered  the  old  man, 
"  and  I've  seen  some  hard  times  and  strange  sights  in 
that  time." 

"  I  do  not  understand  what  you  mean  by  strange 
sights,  but  by  hard  times  I  presume  you  mean  high 
prices  and  also  high  taxes." 

"  High  prices  and  high  taxes  you  can  well  say,"  joined 
the  old  woman,  "  the  members  of  the  government  fix  it 
so  w^e  poor  folks  suffer  very  much.  They  tax  us  in 
war-time,  they  say,  to  carry  on  the  war,  and  in  time  of 
peace,  to  pay  ofi"  the  debt,"  and  she  declared  they  had 
become  so  poor  by  taxation,  that  she  could  hardly  buy 
"  a  hap'orth  o'  ale." 

"  The  strange  sights  I  spoke  of,"  said  the  old  man, 
"  used  to  be  quite  plenty  about  here  twenty  years  ago. 
Highwaymen  then  frequently  committed  depredations 
and  outrages,  but  of  late  years  they  keep  more  to  the 
north.  They  dare  not  come  about  here  now.  I  have 
not  known  of  one  being  about  here,  since  the  escape  of 
that  terrible  fellow  who  was  to  be  hung  in  Winchester. 
Oh  !  it  was  a  great  race  they  had  before  they  took  him 
and  his  companion  at  first.  One  was  hung,  and  the 
other  got  away."  As  he  spoke  he  placed  his  pipe  on 
the  mantel-piece,  after  tapping  its  bowl  on  the  andirons 
to  discharge  the  ashes. 


176 


LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


Fellows  looked  inquiringly  at  the  speaker,  then  at  the 
old  woman,  and  said,  "  There  was  a  grand  race,  then  ?  " 

"  Ay  !  by  Jove  !  a  chase  that  will  be  remembered  a 
long  time  in  these  parts." 

"  Indeed  !  how  was  it,  pray  ?'^ 

The  old  man  moved  his  chair  nearer  the  fire,  and 
passing  his  hand  over  his  bald  head,  as  if  to  recall  his 
memory,  began, 

"  You  see  there  were  two  robbers  stopping  at  the 
Western  Tavern  in  the  town,  and  by  some  means  or 
other  they  were  discovered,  but  before  the  police  could 
efiect  their  arrest,  they  mounted  their  horses,  and  gal- 
loped away  on  the  country  road." 

"  Is  it  possible  ! "  exclaimed  Pellows  with  an  air  of 
astonishment. 

"  Ay !  and  about  thirty  men  —  many  of  them  police- 
men —  leaped  upon  horses  as  soon  as  possible,  and  fol- 
lowed in  the  pursuit.  The  robbers  had  about  two 
miles  the  start,  but  several  of  the  pursuing  horses  being 
much  the  fastest,  made  it  just  the  prettiest  race  I  ever 
saw." 

"  Then  you  saw  it,"  said  Fellows. 

"  I  did ;  they  passed  me  about  a  mile  below  here, 
the  pursuers  close  upon  the  robbers,  and  made  the  dust 
fly,  I  can  tell  you.  The  pohcemen  galloped  at  a  fright- 
ful rate,  all  the  time  gaining  on  the  robbers." 

"  Why  were  they  not  captured,  then  ?" 

"  Because  they  reached  the  woods,  just  in  time  to 
save  themselves." 

"  I  see  ! "  exclaimed  Fellows,  "  they  escaped  by  reach- 
ing the  thick  woods." 

"  They  did  not  escape,"  cried  the  old  man,  "  for  they 
were  taken  in  a  tree,  imprisoned,  tried,  and  sentenced 
to  be  hung." 

"Indeed!" 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED. 


177 


"  One  of  them,  Pletcher,  as  I  said  before,  was  hanged, 
but  the  other,  Fellows,  escaped,  and  has  never  been 
heard  of  since." 

"  Can  it  be  possible  ! "  exclaimed  Fellows  in  assumed 
astonishment. 

"  Ay  !  and  never  was  there  such  an  excitement  in 
these  parts  before,  never  so  many  people  collected  to- 
gether as  on  the  day  of  the  execution  in  Winchester." 

"  One  of  the  wretches  escaped,  did  he  ?"  asked  Fel- 
lows, "  which  way  did  they  pursue  him?" 

"  On  the  road  towards  Epsom,  as  he  was  seen  to  go 
that  way." 

"  Happy  fate  !"  thought  he,  "  for  that  is  what  saved 
me." 

"  Yes,  on  the  road  to  Epsom,"  said  the  old  man, 
"  but  they  never  have  seen  or  heard  from  him  from  that 
day  to  this,  and  it  is  most  probable  that  he  has  fled  to 
some  foreign  country,  and  will  never  dare  to  return  to 
England  more." 

"  It  is  a  great  pity  they  could  not  have  taken  the  vag- 
abond," said  Fellows,  "  he  certainly  ought  to  have 
been  hung  as  much  as  the  other." 

"  Just  as  much,"  said  the  old  man. 

"And  how  far  from  this,"  asked  Fellows,  "  is  the 
place  where  he  was  arrested  ?  " 

"  Not  far,  perhaps  half  a  mile." 

"  Do  you  know  the  place  ?" 

"  [  have  seen  the  tree  twice,  but  could  never  find  it 
again,  as  it  stands  in  the  midst  of  many  others  almost 
just  like  it." 

On  hearing  this.  Fellows  concluded  he  had  learned 
all  from  them  that  would  be  of  service  to  him,  and  re- 
marked that  he  was  becoming  quite  sleepy,  and  wished 
to  retire. 

9 


178  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  The  room  we  have  for  you  is  small,  and  has  no 
finery,"  said  the  old  woman,  "  but  it  is  the  best  we  have, 
and  we  hope  you  will  be  comfortable." 

"It  is  no  doubt  quite  good  enough,"  said  Fellows, 
and  he  was  led  into  what  the  old  woman  called  a  bed- 
room. The  little  apartment  did  indeed  require  an  apol- 
ogy. It  contained  a  bed,  or  rather  a  pallet,  but  no 
other  furniture.  There  was  no  lock  on  the  door,  so 
Fellows  placed  the  foot  of  the  bed  hard  against  it,  and 
falling  his  full  length  upon  it,  said  to  himself,  "  There  is 
more  than  one  way  to  lock  a  door,"  and  soon  fell  asleep. 
He  dreamed  of  money,  policemen,  and  pretty  Kate. 
Having  become  very  much  refreshed  by  the  sleep,  he 
arose  at  daybreak,  and  sauntered  out  into  the  forest, 
without  awaking  the  old  people.  He  penetrated  the 
deep  thickets,  where  himself  and  Fletcher  had  rested, 
and  amidst  which  they  were  afterwards  taken,  while 
many  gloomy  thoughts  passed  through  his  mind ;  and 
withal  he  could  not  conceal  from  himself  the  fact,  that 
the  most  trifling  occurrence  might  cause  him  to  be  ar- 
rested and  hung.  He  wandered  here  and  there  until 
he  reached  the  road.  "  Now  I  am  near  the  spot,*'  he 
soliloquized,  "  but  where  is  the  tree  ?  Why  did  I  not 
ask  Fletcher  to  tell  me  how  he  had  marked  the  spot 
and  tree?  but  alas  !  I  had  more  serious  matters  to  con- 
sider then  !  I  must  search  and  find  it.  I'll  go  down  the 
road  at  some  distance  from  the  forest,  and  come  back; 
by  so  doing  perhaps  I  may  remember  its  position ;  but 
there  have  been  many  trees  felled  since  we  were  here, 
their  stumps  are  on  every  hand,  and  perhaps  some  one 
of  these  is  the  tree  I  look  for.  If  so,  the  money  and 
trinkets  are  in  the  possession  of  another.  In  that 
case,  I  hope  it  is  some  poor  wood-cutter;  if  so,  he 
w^ould  be  poor  no  longer."     Thus  soliloquizing,  Fel- 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  179 

lows  walked  out  of  the  forest,  and,  turning  to  the  left, 
proceeded  leisurely  along,  glancing  at  the  brush  and 
hedges  on  either  side ;  but  he  was  like  a  person  who 
had  never  been  there  before,  and  indeed  his  organ  of 
locality  must  have  been  extraordinarily  large,  to  enable 
him  to  remember  objects  and  scenes  around  him,  as  he 
passed  them  at  a  gallop,  when  flying  for  his  life.  Ho 
returned  again  to  the  forest,  stopped,  and  looked  around, 
but  scores  and  hundreds  of  trees  bore  a  resemblance  to 
the  one  he  had  in  mind,  and  he  continued  to  look  in 
vain.     Finally  he  paced  his  way  back  to  the  house. 

"  We  have  been  waiting  for  you  an  hour,"  said  the 
old  woman,  "  and  had  you  not  left  your  overcoat,  we 
would  have  thought  you  had  gone  for  good." 

"  I  was  taking  an  early  walk,  as  is  my  custom,*'  re- 
plied Fellows,  "  and  strolled  too  far." 

"  Come,  let's  take  breakfast,"  said  the  old  man ;  and 
to  the  astonishment  of  Fellows,  there  w^as  spread  before 
him  a  very  good  repast.  The  old  man,  knowing  he 
would  be  well  paid,  had  gone  to  a  neighbor's,  and  ob- 
tained the  necessary  articles  to  entertain  the  stranger. 

"  You  mentioned  last  night,"  said  Fellows,  after  they 
began  to  eat,  "  that  you  had  seen  that  tree  in  which 
those  robbers  were  concealed." 

"  Yes,  I  have  seen  it  twice,"  answered  the  old  man, 
*'  but  I  do  not  know  it  from  other  trees  now." 

"  If  you  should  see  it,  do  you  not  think  you  would 
know  it  ?  " 

"  I  hardly  think  I  should,"  he  replied,  "  for  it  is  some 
time  since  I  saw  it,  and  besides  I  did  not  take  so  much 
interest  in  it  as  many  about  here  did.  I  was  very  well 
satisfied  the  vagabonds  were  taken,  and  cared  little  as 
to  the  exact  spot  where  they  were  captured." 

"  But  I  am  curious  about  such  matters  !     What  kind 


180  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

of  a  looking  tree  was  it  ?     Did  it  have  no  peculiar  mark 
about  it,  that  would  enable  one  to  designate  it?" 

"  None  whatever,"  w  as  the  reply,  "  and  it  looked  to 
me  just  like  scores  of  others  around  it." 

"  But  can  you  not  find  out  this  tree  for  the  gentle- 
man, father  ?  "  asked  the  old  woman. 

"  Yes,  perhaps  so,  as  he  seems  to  be  very  anxious  to 
see  it." 

"  It's  of  no  consequence,"  said  Fellows,  "  I  would  like 
to  see  it  well  enough,  but  would  not  put  you  to  so  much 
trouble." 

"  Oh  !  it's  no  trouble  at  all,"  said  the  old  man,  "  after 
breakfast,  we'll  just  step  over  to  neighbor  D  —  s,  and 
I  dare  say  he  can  inform  us." 

Fellows  made  no  further  objection,  and  they  accom- 
panied neighbor  D  — ,  who  said  he  knew  right  where  to 
put  his  hand  on  it,  as  he  had  been  there  many  times. 

"  Are  there  many  who  visit  the  tree  ?"  asked  Fellows. 

"  Not  many  now,  occasionally  one  or  two,  sometimes 
a  party,  but  last  year  and  back  to  the  time  when  the 
arrest  was  made,  there  were  many  visits  paid  to  this 
hiding  place  of  two  of  the  greatest  robbers  that  have 
disturbed  the  highways  of  England  since  the  days  of 
Eobin-Hood.". 

"  They  must  indeed  have  been  great  villains,"  re- 
marked Fellows,  with  a  sanctimonious  air. 

"Indeed  they  were!"  said  the  neighbor,  "but  the 
worst  of  it  all  was  that  the  greatest  wretch  of  the  two 
got  away,  and  escaped  punishment." 

"  What  a  pity,"  replied  Fellows  feelingly,  "  but  how 
much  farther  have  we  to  go  ?" 

"  Not  far,"  answered  D  — .  "  But  who  have  we  here, 
coming  up  the  pathway  ?" 

"  That  very  policeman,"  said  Fellows,  and  darted  into 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  181 

the  forest,  leaving  the  others  to  meet  the  man  he  dared 

not. 

He  ran  hastily  back  to  the  cottage,  and  throwing  a 
piece  of  gold  to  the  old  woman,  disappeared. 

He  plunged  through  the  thickest  part  of  the  forest 
that  lay  to  the  south,  in  order  to  get  away  unperceived. 
Thence  he  emerged  upon  the  plain  that  lay  beyond  it, 
often  casting  his  eyes  behind  him,  fearing  he  was  already 
pursued.  At  length  the  forest  was  lost  in  the  distance 
behind  him,  and  he  threw  himself  upon  the  ground,  al- 
most breathless. 

« It  is  all  up  with  the  treasure  now,"  he  soliloquized, 
"for  I  shall  never  return  to  those  woods  again.  It  was 
easily  obtained,  and  as  easily  lost.  But  if  I  can  win 
Kate  Pederson,  I  will  whistle  at  the  loss  of  that  paltry 
treasure.  Fie  !  let  it  go,  for  I  have  plenty  more,"  and 
he  resumed  his  journey  with  as  much  speed  as  he  could. 
He  reached  Hurst  in  safety,  and  found  Harvey  waiting 
patiently  for  his  return. 

Thirteen  days  only  had  elapsed  since  the  Nancy  de- 
parted from  Plymouth,  and  now  her  anxious  owner 
wished  to  return  thither  at  once.  Suffice  it  to  say  that 
she  set  sail,  and  arrived  in  safety,  and  anchored  in  the 
old  spot. 

Fellows  immediately  repaired  to  his  old  lodging  housd, 
still  determined  to  win  Kate  if  possible. 

He  was  welcomed  by  the  family  as  usual,  and  Mr. 
Pederson,  shaking  him  heartily  by  the  hand,  said  he 
hoped  he  would  remain  with  them  months  instead  of 
days. 


182  LIEUTENANT  COLBOKN, 


CHAPTER    XX. 

THE    HAPPY   NEWS. 

Kose  smiled  as  she  heard  his  voice,  and  thonght  of 
another  perquisite ;  but  shortly  after,  she  was  perfectly 
delighted  to  see  him  venture  to  enter  the  kitchen  to 
shake  hands  with  her. 

Fellows  had  sought  this  interview  as  soon  as  the  con- 
versation with  Mr.  Pederson  and  Kate  had  ended.  He 
commenced  talking  about  cookery,  and  other  home  af- 
fairs, as  a  kind  of  apology  for  entering  the  kitchen,  and 
finding  Pose  much  pleased  to  see  him,  he  wished  to 
know  if  she  would  keep  secret  what  he  was  about  to 
ask. 

Pose  was  rather  astonished  at  this  familiarity,  but  re- 
plied that  if  his  question  was  proper  she  would  not 
tell  of  it. 

"  Is  it  true,  then,"  he  asked,  "  that  Lieutenant  Col- 
born  and  Miss  Pederson  are  going  to  make  a  match  ?" 

"  Of  course  it  is." 

"  But  I  have  heard  that  he  has  not  written  to  her." 

"I  don't  think  he  has." 

"  And  do  you  not  know  ?  " 

"  I  do  not  know  for  certain,"  she  replied,  "  but  then  I 
am  almost  sure  he  has  not." 

"  You  have  seen  him,  of  course,"  said  Fellows. 

"  Oh,  yes,  sir,  many  times." 

"  Is  he  a  fine-looking  man  .? " 
•  <^Very." 

"  Very  fine-looking?" 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  183 

"  Yes,  sir,  like  yourself." 

"  Thank  you  for  the  compliment,  but  do  you  really 
think  she  loves  him  ?" 

"  Ha,  ha,"  laughed  Eose,  '*'  now  you  are  coming  it  too 
strong." 

"  Do  you  think  he  loves  her,  then  ?" 

"  Ha,  ha,  ha.  Mr.  Carey,  I  have  no  right  to  talk  with 
a  gentleman  like  you  about  such  things." 

"  But  there. is  no  harm  in  such  conversation."  And 
as  he  spoke  he  placed  a  sovereign  in  her  hand. 

Rose  looked  at  the  yellow  metal,  and  asked,  "  What 
do  you  mean  by  this,  sir  ?  " 

/'  I  give  it  to  you  as  a  present,"  he  replied. 

"  Oh  !  I  thank  you,  sir  !  You  are  very  kind."  And 
she  made  him  a  low  courtesy. 

"  Do  you  think  she  loves  him  ?"  asked  Fellows,  now 
expecting  she  would  answer,  as  the  sovereign  had  ap- 
peared to  act  like  a  charm. 

"  I  am  sure  she  does." 

"  And  does  he  love  her  ?" 

"  I  think  he  does." 

"Did  he  often  visit  her  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir,  quite  often,  just  before  he  sailed." 

"  I  am  of  opinion,"  said  he,  "  that  her  father  does  not 
approve  of  the  match." 

Rose  remained  silent,  and  stood  fingering  her  apron 
strings  in  deep  thought. 

"  Is  it  not  so  ? " 

"  I  cannot  say." 

"  Have  you  never  heard  him  say  as  much  ?" 

"  I  am  not  sure." 

• "  But  can  you  not  recollect  of  his  saying  anything  to 
this  efifect?" 
^    "  I  do  not  wish  to  answer  more,  Mr.  Carey." 


184 

Fellows  slipped  into  her  hand  another  pound,  and  re- 
peated the  question. 

"  I  have  heard  him  say,"  said  Rose,  "  that  he  thought 
the  marriage  would  bring  about  much  unhappiness." 

"  Have  you  ever  heard  Miss  Pederson  speak  of  me  ? " 

"  I  have." 

"How?" 

"  As  an  acquaintance,  a  lodger ;  but  in  no  other  man- 
ner." 

"  Did  you  never  hear  her  speak  for  or  against  me  ?  " 

"  I  never  heard  her  speak  against  any  one.  She  is  a 
lady,  and  never  talks  about  people." 

"  And  then  you  have  heard  her  speak  in  my  favor?" 

"  Yes !  no !  or  rather  that  you  were  a  fine  man.  She 
spoke  as  she  would  of  any  gentleman  acquaintance." 

"  Is  Mr.  Colborn  her  first  love  ?  " 

"  He  is." 

"  And  her  only  love  ?  " 

"  He  must  be,  for  I  have  been  told  that  a  person  loves 
only  one." 

"  Have  you  never  loved  ?" 

"  Now  you  come  too  strong,  again,  Mr.  Carey  !  I 
■will  not  tell  you." 

*'  But  I  will  keep  it  secret." 

"  Why  do  you  wish  to  know  ?  " 

"  Curiosity." 

"  Ha !  ha  !  I'll  not  tell  you  ;  but  I  think  you  are  in 
love,  Mr.  Carey." 

"Whom  with?" 

"  Miss  Pederson." 

"  I  am.  I  love  her  dearly,  and  wish  you  to  assist  me 
to  win  her." 

"  You  should  have  come  sooner." 

"  Why  ?  Do  you  think  she  would  have  accepted  of 
me  had  I  done  so?" 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  185 

"  I  don't  know.  I  know  of  no  reason  why  she  should 
have  refused  you,  had  you  come  before  she  had  seen 
Mr.  Colborn." 

"  Then,  if  the  lieutenant  should  abandon  her,  you 
think  she  would  accept  me." 

"  I  don't  know." 

"  I  ask  your  opinion." 

"  I  know  not  why  she  should  refuse  so  fine  a  man." 

"Thank  you;"  and  Fellows  chucked  her  under  the 
chin,  saying :  "  Mind  you  keep  the  secret,"  and  he 
walked  into  the  sitting-room. 

Here  he  paced  the  floor  alone,  in  deep  contemplation. 
He  had  a  hope  —  and,  in  fact,  it  was  his  only  hope  — 
that  Colborn's  mind  would  be  changed  by  the  influence 
of  friends  and  absence  from  the  object  of  his  love. 

But  he  was  destined  to  be  disappointed,  for  on  that 
very  evening  Kate  received  a  letter  from  the  faithful 
lieutenant.  She  was  alone  when  the  precious  missive 
was  handed  her,  and  as  her  eyes  fell  on  the  well-known 
handwriting,  she  burst  into  tears  of  joy ;  and  pressing 
the  letter  to  her  lips,  ran  up  stairs  to  her  room,  that  she 
might  read  its  contents  undisturbed. 

She  opened  it  hastily,  and  for  the  sake  of  curiosity, 
let  us  take  a  peep  over  her  shoulder  at  those — to  her — 
precious  lines  : 

Otaheite,  June  11th. 

Dearest  Kate  : — It  is  with  emotions  of  ecstacy  that 
I  now  commence  a  letter  to  her  I  love. 

It  has  been  long  since  an  opportunity  offered  for  the 
conveyance  of  letters  to  England,  and  the  present  one 
has  converted  me  from  a  gloomy  and  low-spirited  man 
to  one  of  the  most  cheerful  and  grateful  beings  in  ex- 
istence. 

I  am  aware  that  this  voyage  has  not  been  more  disa- 
9* 


186  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

greeable,  or  attended  with  more  hardships  and  dangers, 
than  other  voyages ;  nor  does  the  portion  of  it  yet  to 
come  bid  fair  to  be  more  unpleasant  than  what  I  have 
already  experienced,  but  yet  I  have  not  been  contented 
and  happy  as  I  was  formerly.  I  have  been  constantly 
anxious  for  the  time  to  pass,  that  the  frigate  might  re- 
turn to  England.     Can  you  not  solve  the  riddle  ? 

"Why  should  I  have  such  feelings  now,  when  I  never 
had  them  on  former  voyages  ?  Fortunately,  the  object 
of  our  voyage  is  nearly  accomplished,  and  we  wnll  no 
doubt  sail  for  home  ere  long.  And  when  I  come  in 
sight  of  my  native  country,  how  I  shall  be  elated  with 
anxiety  and  hope  !  especially  when  I  enter  the  harbor 
of  Plymouth,  where  I  have  spent  so  many  happy  hours  ! 
What  will  be  my  feelings  ?  What  my  joy  ?  But  I  leave 
that  for  another  to  answer,  trusting  she  will  be  able  to 
judge  of  such  emotions  by  her  own. 

Dear  Kate,  when  I  was  a  boy,  I  used  to  dream  of 
the  happiness  of  becoming  a  sailor-boy,  and  cared  more 
for  such  musings  than  I  did  for  my  studies.  AVhen  I 
was  transferred  from  school  to  a  ship  as  midshipman, 
my  mind  aspired  to  promotion ;  but  when  I  became  a 
man,  my  dreams  were  of  a  beautiful  and  sylph-like  girl, 
who  sat  by  my  side,  walked  w'ith  me,  talked  with  me 
and  only  to  me,  who  loved  me  dearly,  with  a  chaste  and 
virtuous  affection,  such  as  our  mothers  entertained  for 
our  fathers  !  This  dream  became  reality  !  The  angelic 
being  of  my  air-castles  and  your  lovely  self  are  one  and 
the  same.  Need  I  say  I  long  to  meet  you  again  ?  Oh  ! 
when  the  time  arrives,  how  great  will  be  my  happiness! 
We  will  be  united  by  ties  that  are  indissoluble,  and  no 
power  thereafter  shall  separate  us. 

Till  then,  adieu,  and  believe  me  unceasingly 

Yours,  William. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  187 


CHAPTER    XXL 

THE    frigate's    ARRIVAL, 

It  was  a  stormy  day  on  the  sixth  of  January.  The 
year  had  come  in  drearily,  and  for  several  days  the 
bright  sun  had  not  been  able,  with  all  his  wonderful 
power,  by  day,  nor  the  moon,  with  her  lesser  light, 
aided  by  milUons  of  stars,  by  night,  to  penetrate  the 
heavy,  massy  clouds  that  hung  over  the  English  Chan- 
nel and  the  contiguous  portion  of  the  North  Atlantic. 

One  heavy  cloud  after  another  passed  over  from  the 
W.  8.  W.,  driven  by  gales  that  had  been  constantly 
blowing.  At  times  the  atmosphere  became  dense,  but 
soon  as  the  clouds  passed,  the  horizon  again  became 
visible.  The  seas  were  rolling,  and  tumbling,  and  cap- 
ping white  on  all  sides,  and  high  above  them  flew  the 
sea-gull  and  Mother  Carey's  chicken,  finding  no  place 
of  rest  on  the  troubled  waves. 

On  the  rocks  and  beaches  heavy  breakers  could  be 
seen,  sending  high  in  air  the  white  foam,  and  the  gust 
would  hurl  its  force  upon  it  and  scatter  for  many  rods 
the  briny  liquid.  Upon  the  land,  men,  muffled  in  over- 
coats to  guard  against  the  cold,  hurried  from  one  office 
or  other  place  of  business  to  another ;  while  in-doors 
the  howhng  and  moaning  wind  cast  a  dismal  feeling  over 
the  inmates,  who,  to  keep  comfortable,  were  obliged  to 
hover  around  the  fire.  The  hills  and  fields  in  the  coun- 
try, and  streets  of  cities  and  towns,  were  white  with 
snow.     Winter  had  come  in  its  most  rigorous  form !    :• 


188  LIEUTENANT  COLBOKN, 

The  Race  Horse,  rollmg  along  under  close-reefed 
topsails,  had  already  entered  the  channel.  Daylight 
approached,  and  as  a  passing  cloud  disappeared,  the 
•welcome  sound  of  Land,  ho  !  was  shouted  fore  and  aft, 
and  caused  the  hearts  of  all  on  board  to  leap  with  joy. 
Presently  the  snow-covered  hills  of  the  Land's  End  ap- 
peared fully  in  sight. 

On  dashed  the  ship,  and  having  arrived  oflf  Plymouth 
and  fired  signal  guns,  a  pilot  cutter  ventured  from  the 
harbor  to  her  assistance.  It  w^as  impossible  to  board 
in  such  a  heavy,  sea,  but  the  cutter  signalized  for  the 
frigate  to  follow  her;  and  as  all  on  board,  and  particu- 
larly those  in  command,  had  no  desire  to  put  out  into 
the  channel  again,  and  there  remain  a  week,  perhaps, 
waiting  for  fine  weather,  they  concluded  to  enter  the 
harbor,  notwithstanding  the  weather  was  so  boisterous. 
The  pilot-boat  led  the  way  and  the  frigate  followed,  the 
gale  blowing  them  directly  towards  the  town  and  into 
safe  anchorage.  A  dense  and  threatening  cloud  now 
dropping  down  over  the  land,  enveloped  everything  on 
shore  from  their  view.  It  was  accompanied  by  a  heavy 
squall,  that  blew  most  furiously  for  the  remainder  of 
that  short  January  day.  It  w^as  dark  w^hen  it  had 
passed  —  disclosing  to  view  the  lights  of  the  town  and 
harbor. 

The  ship  lay  near  the  shore,  and  quickly  two  of  her 
boats  were  manned,  and  in  spite  of  wind  and  darkness, 
pulled  tow^ards  the  landing,  conveying  several  officers, 
who  were  too  anxious  to  meet  their  friends  to  mind  the 
weather.  Amongst  them  was  Lieutenant  Colbom, 
dressed  in  a  long  coat,  whose  cape  covered  his  head  to 
protect  his  face  and  neck  from  the  storm.  He  walked 
up  Pell  street,  followed  by  his  boat's  crew,  and  entered 
the  inn.     He  invited  tliem  to  call  for  any  drink  they 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  189 

wished  at  his  expense,  and  ascended  the  stairs  to  the 
dining-room. 

Mr.  Pederson,  Kate,  Fellows,  and  another  lodger 
were  quietly  taking  tea,  unaware  of  the  arrival  of  the 
Eace  Horse,  when  he  entered  the  room.  Doffing  his 
cap  respectfully,  with  a  smile  on  his  countenance,  he 
made  a  low  bow. 

Kate  screamed,  and,  rising  from  her  seat,  blushed 
crimson,  but  could  not  find  words  to  speak  a  welcome. 

"  Mr.  Colborn  !"  exclaimed  Kose,  from  the  kitchen. 

"  Why,  Mr.  Colborn  !  Is  it  possible  ?"  said  Mr.  Pe- 
derson . 

The  lieutenant  stepped  towards  Kate  and  shook  her 
hand,  but  b}^  great  exertion  repressed  the  desire  he  had 
to  imprint  a  kiss  on  her  cherry  lips,  and  as  he  turned  to 
be  introduced  by  the  host  to  the  strangers  at  the  table, 
she  disappeared  through  the  parlor  door. 

"  Do  not  let  me  disturb  you,  Mr.  Pederson  and  gen- 
tlemen," said  Colborn ;  and  bowing  politely,  he  took  the 
liberty  to  follow  Kate  into  the  parlor. 

Here  he  threw  down  his  cap  and  overcoat,  and  rush- 
ing towards  her  as  she  stood  like  a  statue  in  the  center 
of  the  room,  clasped  her  to  hif  bosom.  That  there  were 
not  warm  kisses  given  and  returned  by  either  party,  we 
will  not  undertake  to  avouch,  not  being  present. 

Immediately  after  the  disappearance  of  the  lieuten- 
ant and  Kate,  Fellows  left  the  table  and  ascended  to 
his  own  room. 

"  The  devilish  aristocrat !"  he  soliloquized,  "  is  in  that 
parlor  alone  with  her,  and  perhaps  in  her  arms  !  How 
she  screamed  and  blushed  !  I  had  hoped  that  the  fel- 
low had  sunk  in  the  sea  to  rise  no  more  !  AVhat  busi- 
ness has  one  of  his  stamp  to  seek  a  wife  in  this  family  ? 
Why  does  he  not  keep  to  his  own  aristocratic  class  ? 


190  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

She  may  rue  it  yet !  But  I'll  go  to  Eose,  for  she  some- 
times gives  me  hints  that  are  of  some  consolation." 

"  Eose  ! "  he  said,  as  he  entered  the  kitchen,  "  he's 
come  at  last,  and  by  the  appearance  of  Miss  Pederson 
as  he  entered,  I  fear  my  case  is  hopeless  ! " 

Eose  remained  silent. 

"  Do  you  not  think  so  ?"  he  continued. 

*'  You  know^  Mr.  Carey,  that  I  can  not  judge  of  these 
things  as  well  as  you." 

"  Why  not .? " 

"  Because  I  am  but  a  poor,  ignorant  girl,  and  you  a 
gentleman  of  much  experience." 

"  But  that  ought  not  to  make  any  diflference  as  to 
what  we  see,"  said  Fellows. 

"  I  see  no  more  than  you  do,"  said  Eose,  laughing. 

"  And  that's  enough  to  drive  one  mad,"  said  he ;  "  but 
tell  me,  Eose,  and  candidly,  what  you  think  of  the  fam- 
ily trouble  we  have  before  spoken  about." 

"  I  really  do  not  know  more  about  it  than  you  do, 
sir." 

"  But  what  is  your  opinion?" 

"  I  think  his  family  will  not  like  the  match." 

"  That  is  no  answer,  Eose,  for  we  kiiow  that  such  is 
the  case ;  but  the  question  is,  do  you  think  they  will 
break  it  off?" 

"  I  think  they'll  try." 

"  And  will  succeed  ?" 

"  Miss  Pederson  is  very  firm  and  resolute,  when  her 
mind  is  made  up." 

"  I  am  very  sorry  for  it." 

"  There  are  other  girls  as  pretty." 

"  I  do  not  think  so." 

Eose  resumed  her  kitchen  work,  and  Fellows  left  her, 
muttering  that  he  believed  that  the  aristocrat  would  be 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  191 

made  to  rue  it  yet  —  and  ascended  to  his  room.  Here 
he  walked  the  floor  in  misery,  to  think  he  was  about  to 
lose  the  only  chance  of  winning  the  only  girl  he  had 
ever  seen  that  he  fondly  and  truly  loved. 

"William  remained  a  few  days  at  Plymouth,  during 
which  time  he  and  Kate  were  indeed  happy.  He  spent 
most  of  his  time  with  her,  and  he  made  up  his  mind 
that  circumstances  should  never  again  separate  them. 

Filial  duty,  however,  demanded  that  he  should  visit 
his  parents,  and  at  length  he  bade  Kate  an  affectionate 
adieu,  declaring  he  would  soon  return,  and  departed 
for  home. 

General  and  Mrs.  Colborn  had  been  wondering  why 
their  son  was  so  tardy  in  coming  to  them,  after  the  ar- 
rival of  the  frigate,  notwithstanding  that  they  knew  of 
his  attachment.  One  or  the  other  had  frequently  looked 
from  the  window,  hoping  to  descry  him  approaching ; 
and  they  felt  the  more  uneasy  from  the  fact  that  George 
North  had,  immediately  on  the  arrival  of  the  frigate, 
reached  his  home,  and  had  visited  Melissa. 

"  At  last,  he's  come ! "  said  the  general,  as  the  car- 
riage that  conveyed  him  drove  up  to  the  door. 

Sir  William  shook  him  heartily  by  the  hand,  and  led 
him  into  the  drawing-room.  Mrs.  Colborn  burst  into 
tears  and  fell  on  his  neck,  and  Melissa  kissed  him  with 
all  the  fondness  of  an  aflfectionate  sister. 

"  It  appears  to  me  that  Willie  does  not  look  as  stout 
as  when  he  left  us,"  said  Mrs.  Colborn ;  "  does  he,  Wil- 
liam?" 

"  I  see  no  difference,"  answered  the  general,  "  he  is 
surely  quite  a  heavy  man." 

"  Have  you  enjoyed  good  health,  my  son  ?" 

"  Very  good,  mother,  if  I  except  a  sHght  fever  for 
two  days,  contracted  at  Rio." 


192  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  I  am  thankful  that  kind  Providence  has  protected 
you,"  she  continued,  as  she  ran  her  fingers  fondly 
through  his  hair. 

"  So  am  I,  mother  —  kind  Providence  and  the  good 
frigate  ! " 

"  The  frigate,  my  son,  would  have  been  but  a  frail 
means  of  security,  unless  the  guiding  hand  of  Him  who 
holds  the  winds  and  seas  at  his  command  had  protected 
hery 

"  Tell  us  all  about  your  voyage,"  said  the  general. 
"  What  a  tremendous  hurricane  that  must  have  been 
which  you  experienced  in  the  Bay  of  Biscay  i  " 

"  It  was,  indeed,  a  heavy  gale,"  said  William,  "  audit 
would  take  me  a  long  time  to  describe  it.  Has  North 
been  here  yet  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  calmly  answered  the  general,  "  he  was  here 
yesterday ;  he  has  also  been  here  to-day,  and  I  wonder 
you  did  not  meet  his  carriage,  for  he  left  here  but  a 
short  time  since." 

"  Then  he  arrived  before  me,"  said  William,  but  did 
not  notice  the  gloom  that  covered  his  mother's  face,  as 
she  gave  a  deep-drawn  sigh. 

However,  all  things  went  on  agreeably  enough  that 
evening ;  they  were  too  much  rejoiced  to  meet  their 
only  son  to  introduce  any  subject  which  might  lead  to 
unpleasant  altercation. 

Morning  came,  breakfast  was  announced,  and  after 
the  usual  salutations  they  seated  themselves  at  the  table. 
There  did  not  appear  to  be  that  cheerfulness  which 
marked  the  previous  evening,  but  whether  it  had  been 
caused  by  the  want  of  a  good  night's  rest,  or  by  some- 
thing that  referred  to  himself,  William  could  not  per- 
ceive. But  certainly  there  was  an  appearance  of  deep 
thought  in  his  father,  a  gloomy  soberness  on  the  coun- 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED, 


193 


teaance  of  his  mother,  and  a  sly,  inquisitive  look  in  Me- 
lissa's large  eyes,  as  they  drank  their  coffee,  which  he 
could  not  but  notice.     With  the  exception  of  an  occa 
sional   remark,   generally   by   Melissa   or  himself,  the 
breakfast  ended  without  conversation. 

After  breakfast,  William  walked  to  the  study,  and 
taking  a  book,  looked  through  it  at  the  plates,  but  could 
not  interest  himself  in  its  contents. 

"  There  is  something  wrong  here,"  he  said  to  himself, 
"  and  I  can  not  imagine  what  it  is,  unless  North  has 
written  to  Melissa  of  my  courtship.  By  Jove,  this  is 
most  likely !  I  might  have  known  that  the  haughty, 
stuck-up  fool  would  have  tattled  all  he  knew.  Sup- 
pose I  should  disclose  to  her  what  I  know  of  liim-Aiwi 
he  need  not  fear,  I  will  not  be  so  unmanly.  But  what 
shall  I  do  ?  I  must  tell  my  father  !  It  is  a  hard  task  ;  " 
and  he  sighed  as  the  idea  crossed  his  brain  that  he  must 
inform  that  proud  man  of  his  betrothal  to  a  bar-maid. 

"  But  then,"  thought  he,  "  I  have  done  no  harm  !  I 
have  committed  no  wrong!  I  have  not  basely  and 
treacherously  deceived  a  heart-broken  woman  !  AVhat, 
then,  should  I  fear  ?  I  will  go  immediately  and  disclose 
to  him  mv  intentions  towards  Kate  1 " 


194  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


CHAPTEE    XXII. 

THE     parents'    displeasure. 

He  did  not  have  to  seek  the  opportunity,  for  the  next 
instant  the  general  entered  the  half-open  door,  and  say- 
ing, "  I  had  lost  you,  my  son,"  took  a  seat  beside  him. 

"  I  am  really  glad  to  meet  you  alone,  father,"  said 
William,  "for  I  have  something  of  importance  to  disclose 
to  you." 

"  Indeed ! "  exclaimed  the  general  —  and  he  instantly 
assumed  a  serious  air  —  "  and  what  is  it  ?" 

"  I  have  made  a  matrimonial  selection." 

The  general  gave  a  deep-drawn  sigh  as  he  asked, 
"  What  lady's  hand  have  you  solicited  ? " 

"That  of  Miss  Kate  Pederson,  of  Plymouth," 
promptly  answered  his  son. 

The  brow  of  the  proud  man  became  instantly  knitted. 

"  Whose  daughter  —  and  of  what  proud  family  ?  " 

"  The  daughter  of  Mr.  G-eorge  Pederson  —  and  of  a 
respectable  although  poor  family." 

"  What  is  Mr.  Pederson's  business  ?" 

"  An  inn-keeper." 

The  general,  who  had  been  changing  from  side  to 
side  on  his  chair  for  some  time,  now  arose,  and  com- 
menced pacing  the  floor  hastily.  At  length  he  stopped 
by  the  side  of  his  son,  and  said,  "  But  you  cannot  be 
in  earnest,  William  !  Say,  my  dear  boy,  you  only  de- 
sire to  flirt  with  her ! " 

William  looked  him  full  in  the  face,  and  with  a  firm 
voice  said  :  "  Sir,  I  am  in  earnest." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  195 

"  I  can  not  believe  you,"  said  his  father.  "  1  see 
through  it  all  —  I  have  been  a  young  man  myself." 

"  I  can  assure  you,  dear  father,  that  my  intentions  to- 
wards Miss  Pederson  are  perfectly  honorable." 

"  And  do  you  mean  to  say  that  you  are  really  going 
to  unite  yourself  to  such  a  person  and  family,  thereby 
disgracing  us  all  ?" 

"  I  can  not  see  how  my  marriage  with  a  virtuous  lady 
can  in  any  way  disgrace  you,  sir,"  was  the  son's  rejoin- 
der, "  and  I  really  will  not  understand  you  as  suggest- 
ing that  there  is  such  a  condition  attached  to  virtue, 
pure  and  intrinsic  virtue,  as  disgrace !" 

"  You  will  not !"  said  the  general,  with  a  sneer. 

"  No,  sir." 

"  But  our  family,  house,  and  rank  are  exalted,  and  we 
wish  to  keep  them  so ;  if  you  marry  beneath  us,  or  at 
least  so  far  beneath  us,  you  detract  from  the  proud  name 
of  Colborn." 

"  I  can  not  see,  sir,"  said  "William,  very  respectfully, 
"  how  my  union  with  the  lady  I  have  selected  can  lower 
the  standing  of  our  house,  unless  it  be  already  tottering, 
for  it  can  not  be  very  permanent  if  such  a  trivial  cir- 
cumstance is  sufficient  to  shake  it." 

The  general  became  serious.  Until  now  he  could  but 
think  that  his  son,  following  the  habit  of  most  young 
men  when  away  from  home,  had  simply  been  engaged 
in  a  flirtation ;  but  now  he  was  assured  that  he  had 
been  mistaken. 

"Wilham!"  said  he,  "you  have  ever  been  a  noble 
and  dutiful  son ;  and  are  you  now  going  to  be  diso- 
bedient?" 

"  I  hope  not,  sir,"  answered  William,  "  for,  I  trust, 
you  are  not  going  to  drive  me  to  any  such  step." 

"  I  have  to  request,"  said  the  general,  in  a  decided 


196  LIEUTEXAXT  COLBORN 


tone  of  voice,  "  that  yoa  will  abandon  this  low  girl,  and 
become  again  your  former  self" 

"  Dear  father,  I  cannot  comply  with  your  request." 

"  Then  you  will  blight  all  the  bright  and  promising 
hopes  that  your  former  acts  have  inspired  in  your  dear- 
est friends." 

"  I  trust  that  you  are  mistaken,  sir,"  said  the  son, 
"  and  as  I  see  no  objections  to  my  union  with  Miss  Pe- 
derson,  excepting  such  as  come  of  family  pride,  I  must 
remain  firm  to  ray  determination  of  making  her  my 
wife." 

"  I  will  talk  no  more  with  such  a  madman,"  angrily 
shouted  the  general ;  and  abruptly  left  him. 

"It  is  true!  too  true!"  said  the  general,  as  he  en- 
tered the  drawing-room  where  his  lady  and  Melissa  were 
seated ;  "  William  has  engaged  himself  to  this  inn- 
keeper's daughter." 

"  I  feared  so,"  sobbed  Mrs.  Colborn.  "  I  know  his 
plebeian  views,  as  well  as  his  firmness  w^hen  his  mind  is 
made  up.  He  is  opposite  in  almost  every  trait  to  Me- 
lissa. He  always  professed  to  detest  pride  from  his 
youth,  while  she,  on  the  contrary,  has  a  great  deal  of 
love  for  pride  and  family  elevation  !  And  yet  Iter  w^ill 
is  so  weak  that  her  views  can  be  changed  almost  as 
easily  as  those  of  a  child." 

^' Where  is  Willie?"  asked  Mrs.  Colborn. 

"  In  the  study." 

He  was  immediately  sent  for,  and  as  he  appeared  his 
mother  embraced  him,  saying,  "  My  son,  I  am  told 
you  are  bent  upon  taking  a  step,  which,  if  persisted  in, 
will  bring  down  your  mother's  pride  so  low,  and  entail 
upon  her  such  sorrow,  as  will,  I  fear,  bring  her  prema- 
turely to  the  cold  grav^e."  AaJ  as  she  spoke  she  fell 
upon  a  sofa,  and  continued  to  weep. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  197 

William  raised  his  eyes  from  the  carpet,  and  as  he 
fixed  them  on  the  ashy  features  of  his  mother,  they 
filled  with  tears.  The  anger  of  his  father,  and  the 
haughty  disapproval  of  his  sister,  had  made  no  impres- 
sion on  his  determination ;  but  to  see  his  dear  mother 
in  agony  was  too  much,  and  his  firmness  began  to  give 
way.  His  heart  must  have  been  indeed  hard  if  it  had 
not  been  touched  by  such  a  scene. 

"  Dear  mother,"  he  cried,  "  I  am  really  unhappy  to 
see  you  mourn  so."  And  he  placed  his  arms  around 
her  neck,  and  kissed  her  again  and  again. 

"  Then  why  do  you  make  me  mourn  by  acting  so  dis- 
gracefully ?"  said  she,  bitterly. 

"  Let  us  talk  reasonably  upon  this  affair,"  said  Wil- 
liam, "  that  you  all  appear  to  think  so  fraught  with  ill 
and  reproach.  You  would  not  wish  to  deprive  your 
children  of  happiness,  would  you,  dear  mother?" 

Mrs.  Golborn  did  not  answer,  but  the  general  said, 
sharply,  "  Of  course  not." 

"  It  is  a  principle  allowed  by  all  mothers,"  said  Wil- 
liam, "  in  fact,  by  all  just  and  good  people,  and  always 
has  been,  that  man,  to  be  happy,  must  have  a  wife. 
Grod  has  plainly  ordered  it.  But  to  insure  this  happi- 
ness, he  must  have  the  choice  of  his  heart,  —  and  this 
you  would  deny  me." 

"  We  do  not  deny  you  the  privilege,"  said  the  gene- 
ral, "  if  you  choose  among  ladies  of  rank." 

"  But.  as  I  have  never  seen  one  among  them  that  I 
could  love,"  said  William,  "  and  as  you  do  not  allow  me 
to  make  a  choice  amongst  ladies  who  are  not  of  rank, 
the  result  is  the  same,  so  far  as  my  happiness  is  con- 
cerned." 

"  Tut !  tut !  WilHam  !"  exclaimed  the  general,  "you 
know  we  do  not  wish  to  deprive  you  of  a  wife ;  but  on 
the  contrary  wish  you  to  obtain  one." 


198 

"But  she  must  be  a  lady  of  rank,  though!"  said 
Mrs.  Colborn. 

"  Yes  —  a  lady  equal  with  yourself  and  family,"  ad- 
ded his  father.  "  Make  a  selection  of  either  of  the 
many  young  ladies  of  Melissa's  acquaintance,  and  we 
will  rejoice  to  honor  her  as  a  future  daughter-in-law. 
But  the  one  you  have  selected  we  will  not,  cannot  ac- 
knowledge ;  you  have  foolishly  gone  far  below  your 
rank  and  position  in  society,  and  made  a  chdice  wholly 
unworthy  of  yourself  or  family." 

"  Respected  father,  I  know  you  are  in  sentiment  a 
fatalist,  and  from  your  own  theory,  often  inculcated 
upon  me,  I  would  show  why  I  should  marry  as  I  have 
chosen. 

"  A  man  may  be  often  in  society,  and  form  intimate 
acquaintanceship  with  many  ladies  who  are  beautiful, 
graceful,  rich,  accomplished,  and  youthful,  but,  although 
wishing  to  marry,  he  may  not  fancy  either ;  when,  per- 
haps, in  a  lone  country  farm-house,  a  simple,  unassum- 
ing girl,  coarsely  and  cheaply  clad,  unaccomplished, 
and  without  beauty,  may  at  the  first  sight  win  his  love ; 
and  to  become  happy,  he  must  obtain  her  for  his  wife. 

"  Again,  a  lady  of  rank  and  wealth,  whose  hand  is 
sought  after  by  many  young,  fine-looking  men,  men  pos- 
sessed of  honor,  rank,  wealth,  station,  brilliant  talents, 
and  accomplishments,  may  turn  from  them  all,  and  even 
marry  her  footman ;  perhaps  an  uneducated,  ordinary- 
looking,  unaccomplished,  uncultivated  man,  who  igno- 
rantly,  unintentionally,  and  almost  instantaneously  wins 
her  heart.  Or,  if  not  marry  him,  at  least  may  love  him. 
Hundreds  of  both  sexes,  and  particularly  in  aristocratic 
society,  could  corroborate  my  assertion,  if  they  would 
truly  state  the  feelings  of  their  hearts.  And  I  have  no 
doubt  that  hundreds,  yes,  thousands,  could  bear  wit- 
ness, that,  had  they  not  married  to  suit  family  pride, 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  199 

but,  on  the  contrary,  followed  the  dictates  of  their  own 
hearts,  they  might  now  be  happy,  instead  of  dragging 
away  their  lives  in  inharmonious  unions.  Why  do  hearts 
make  selections  so  unequal  ?  Why  such  strange  and 
contrary  sympathies  ?  Why  do  they  refuse  to  fancy 
where  they  appear  to  be  so  well  adapted  to  each  other  ? 
It  must  be  from  the  mandates  of  a  destiny  hanging  over 
us  all !  It  must  be  that  the  finger  of  G-od  thus  indi- 
cates those  destined  for  our  future  happiness  ;  and  when 
we  disobey  the  monitor,  and  listen  to  man's  arguments 
in  regard  to  rank,  family,  wealth,  et  catera^  we  are  in  a 
fair  way  to  make  ourselves  wretched  for  life  !" 

"  That  I  am  a  fatalist,  to  a  certain  degree,"  said  the 
general,  "  is  most  true ;  but  you  carry  it  too  far.  That 
fate  points  out  our  objects  of  attachment  I  do  not  deny, 
but  certainly  it  points  to  more  than  one ;  for  it  would 
be  folly  to  suppose  that  there  is  but  one  woman  in  ex* 
istence  capable  of  making  a  man  happy,  or  vice  versa^ 
Experience  proves  that  persons  have  been  quite  as 
strongly  attached  to  their  second  or  third  partners  as 
to  their  first.  The  simple  fact  is,  there  are  numbers 
that  fate  has  selected  for  our  partners,  and  the  laws  of 
man  allowing  only  one,  we  need  never  to  go  out  of  our 
sphere  to  obtain  the  right  one  1 

"  Now,  when  you  became  enamored  of  that  poor  girl, 
you  should  not  have  encouraged  the  attachment,  but  on 
the  contrary,  you  should  have  discouraged  it ;  and  at 
the  same  time  encouraged  an  attachment  for  some  one 
in  your  own  class,  and  by  so  doing  you  would  soon 
have  forgotten  the  other,  and  fate  would  soon  have  riv- 
eted your  afiections  to  the  favored  fair  one  of  your  own 
rank." 

"  And  that  is  what  you  ought  to  do  at  once,"  said 
Mrs.  Colborn. 


200  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  But  there  is  no  other  girl  I  can  ever  be  happy  with, 
dear  mother." 

"Tut!  tut!"  exclaimed  Sir  "WiUiam,  thinking,  per- 
haps, he  had  shaken  his  son's  opinion  a  little,  "  you  will 
be  ashamed  of  this  in  five  years.  Be  a  man  !  a  gentle- 
man of  rank  to  fill  your  father's  place !  The  name  of 
our  proud  house  descends  in  you." 

"  And  how  can  my  wife  possibly  affect  the  descent  of 
the  name  of  Colborn,  sir?"  asked  the  son,  respectfully. 
"  She  certainly  must  take  my  name,  but  you  seem  to 
speak  as  if  she  ought  to  be  of  too  much  consequence 
to  take  my  name.  No,  sir.  I  can  not  understand  why 
family  pride  is  of  more  real  worth  than  happiness." 

"  But  all  this  talk  about  choice  and  matches  made  in 
heaven,"  said  Sir  William,  "  is  all  nonsense,  after  all.  If 
you  select  a  fair  young  lady  like  Miss  Arabella  or  El- 
len, my  w^ord  for  it,  she  will  make  you  love  her  after 
marriage.  Why,  son,  you  do  not  know  how  great  is 
the  happiness  in  the  matrimonial  state.  You  are  but  a 
boy  !  an  inexperienced  boy !" 

"Then  did  you  have  no  choice,  sir  ?"  asked  WiUiam, 
"  no  particular,  indescribable  fancy  for  my  mother  ? 
Had  you  no  voice  in  the  matter  at  all  ?  or  was  it  all  ar- 
ranged by  my  grandparents,  and  others  of  the  family, 
without  regard  to  your  affections  or  wishes  ?" 

"  I  do  not  feel  disposed  to  answer  such  an  impertinent 
question  ! "  said  the  general,  sharply. 

"  I  humbly  beg  your  pardon,  sir,"  said  WilHam ; 
"  and  I  declare  I  had  no  intention  of  offendinor  either 

o 

yourself,  sir,  or  my  honored  mother." 

"  But,  WilHe,"  said  his  mother,  kindly,  "  can  you 
not  try  to  forget  to  love  that  low  girl,  and  select  an- 
other?" 

"  I  can  not,  dear  mother,  but  on  the  contrary,  would 
ask  a  favor  of  yourself." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  201 

"  If  the  favor  is  reasonable,  I  will  grant  it.  my  son  ; 
but  what  is  it  ? " 

"  That  you  will  consent  to  make  your  son  happy,  by 
forgetting  former  prejudices  and  cruel  feelings  against 
his  chosen  bride,  and  accept  her  as  a  daughter-in-law." 

The  proud  descendant  of  a  long  line  of  aristocratic 
ancestors  cast  upon  her  son  a  look  of  mingled  pity  and 
scorn.  Although  she  had  given  way  to  the  impulse  oi 
her  better  nature ;  although  the  characteristic  of  wom- 
an's love  for  her  oftspring  had  predominated  in  her 
heart  since  her  son's  arrival ;  yet  now  that  accursed  love 
for  inherited  rank  displayed  itself,  and  overruled  the 
nobler  sentiment. 

"  No,  sir  ! "  she  cried,  "  your  unworthy  intended  bride 
cannot  enter  mij  society,  nor  in  any  way  be  recognized 
by  me,  no  matter  how  serious  may  be  the  consequen- 
ces." 

"  Nor  by  me,"  joined  Sir  William,  sharply. 

"  But,"  said  the  son,  "  you  have  never  asked  what  are 
the  virtues  of  the  girl  I  have  selected  !  You  have  never 
asked  a  word  about  her  piety,  beauty,  accomplish- 
ments,   " 

"Accomplishments!"  shrieked  Mrs.  Colborn,  inter- 
rupting him.  "  What  do  you  suppose  I  wish  to  know 
about  the  low  creature  ?  "  And  completely  forgetting 
herself,  she  flew  past  him  across  the  room,  crying  pas- 
sionately, "Out  of  my  sight!  leave  the  house!  your 
presence  here  contaminates  me." 

"Yes  !"  joined  the  general,  "you  are  a  thorn  in  my 
flesh !  disgusting  in  my  sight !  and  from  this  hour  I 
wish  to  see  you  no  more." 

"  Why  do  you  not  obey  ?"  shrieked  his  angry  mother. 

"  Because  you  are  my  parents,"  said  he  calmly,  "  and 
10 


202  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

as  I  love  you,  I  shall  not  heed  yon  when  you  treat  me 
thus  harshly!" 

"  Treat  you  harshly ! "  cried  the  general,  "  we  are 
treating  you  too  kindly ;  but  you  are  treating  us  harsh- 
ly.    AYe  certainly  mean  what  we  say  !     Go  ! " 

"  We  do  mean  it  1"  cried  Mrs.  Colborn,  "  and  go  from 
our  sight  at  once.     You  have  made  me  wretched." 

"  Then^^  said  William,  with  a  sigh,  "  I  see  I  must  de- 
part—  and  so  soon,  too,  after  my  return!"  And  he 
walked  out  of  the  room.  But  as  his  figure  disappeared 
through  the  door,  all  the  woman  returned  to  his  mother 
again,  and  fearing  her  son  had  gone  from  her  forever, 
she  fell  into  the  arms  of  her  daughter  and  sobbed  aloud, 
"  Oh !  Melissa  !  William  will  break  my  heart !  Eun 
after  him  !     Call  him  back  ! " 

Melissa  left  the  room,  and  caught  him  by  the  arm. 
"  Come  back,  brother !  mother  wishes  you  to  do  so. 
She  is  the  most  wretched  of  beings.  Come  back  to 
her!" 

The  heart  of  William  beat  lightly  at  this  announce- 
ment, and  he  hastened  back  into  thje  presence  of  his 
parents.  As  he  entered,  his  mother,  weeping  as  if  some 
great  calamity  had  taken  place,  and  his  proud  father, 
moody,  stern,  and  silent,  caused  him  to  think  that  his 
dear  Kate  had  proved  a  prophetess  when  she  said  that 
there  would  be  much  trouble  caused  by  their  attach- 
ment to  each  other.  But  her  image  thus  casually  cross- 
ing his  mind  gave  him  new  courage ;  and  with  a  firm 
step  he  walked  to  the  center  of  the  drawing-room,  and 
stood  as  if  waiting  to  be  addressed. 

His  dark  eyes  rested  upon  his  mother,  expressive  of 
commingled  regret,  respect,  and  resolution. 

"  It  grieves  me  much,  dear  mother,"  at  length  he  said, 
"  to  see  you  thus  mourn." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  203 

But  the  arrogant  woman  would  not  yield  to  the 
promptings  of  her  nobler  nature,  and  rush  into  his  arms. 
No  !  the  thought  of  what  she  termed  his  almost  unpar- 
donable crime  was  uppermost  in  her  mind,  and  she  made 
him  no  reply. 

At  length  Melissa,  touched  by  the  scene,  although 
approving  the  conduct  of  her  parents,  essayed  to  inter- 
rupt the  doleful  silence.  She  advanced  towards  him, 
placed  her  arm  upon  his  shoulder,  touched  his  marble- 
like forehead  with  a  gentle  kiss,  and  said,  "  Dear  broth- 
er !  this  trouble  in  our  family  I  greatly  regret.  There 
is  poor  mother,  whose  heart  is  breaking,  and  father, 
whose  mind  is  tormented  with  your  conduct;  and  I 
mourning  that  you  should  bring  such  ruin  upon  your- 
self and  all  of  us  —  all  would  beg  of  you  to  think  of 
this  affair  in  the  light  of  common  sense ;  to  weigh  the 
obstacles  to  such  a  union  carefully,  and  with  your  bet- 
ter judgment.  Do  so,  dear  brother,  and  you  can  but  be 
convinced  that  you  ought  to  do  as  we  advise- you." 

"William  did  not  change  a  muscle  or  move  a  limb,  but 
when  she  had  finished  her  appeal,  he  asked,  calmly,  if 
she  loved  George  North. 

Melissa  calmly  answered  that  she  did,  but  requested 
that  he  would  not  use  Mr.  North's  name  at  all. 

"  How  do  you  expect  to  succeed,"  asked  William, 
**  in  allaying  this  tumult,  if  I  am  to  be  debarred  from 
illustrating  my  position?" 

"  I  vnsh  I  could  accomplish  it,"  said  she,  "  by  con- 
vincing you  that  you  are  jeopardizing  your  own  as  well 
as  our  happiness." 

"  If  I  have  committed  errors,  in  your  estimation," 
said  her  brother,  "  you.  have  also  committed  the  same 
line." 
What  errors?"  asked  Melissa,  removing  her  arm 


204  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

from  his  shoulder,  with  a  haughty  toss  of  the  head. 
"TVhat  errors  have  I  committed?" 

"  Do  you  love  George  North,  Melissa  ?"  And  as  he 
spoke  he  fixed  upon  her  a  look  expressive  of  doubt  as 
to  the  state  of  her  affections. 

Her  eyes  fell  to  the  carpet,  and  she  answered  in  a 
faint  voice,  "  I  do." 

"  You  do  love  him,"  resumed  her  brother,  "  for  his 
wealth,  family,  and  rank  ;  but  not  for  his  personal  ap- 
pearance or  mental  qualities.  You  have  no  more  love 
for  him  than  you  have  for  either  of  the  many  gentlemen 
of  rank  with  whom  you  are  acquainted  ;  and  3^et,  you 
have  promised  him  your  hand,  and  of  course  your  heart, 
and  have  told  him  you  love  him.  Now,  how  can  you 
love  him  when,  as  I  know,  your  heart  is  in  the  posses- 
sion of  another  ?     Do  you  understand  me,  Melissa  ?  " 

Her  head  dropped  upon  her  bosom,  and  she  turned 
away. 

"  It  seems  I  have  wounded  your  feehngs,"  said  Wil- 
liam, "  but  it  was  far  from  my  wish  to  do  so,  but  you 
forced  me  to  it." 

She  walked  slowly  to  a  seat,  murmuring,  "  Such  are 
the  ungrateful  thanks  I  receive  for  interceding  to  make 
a  reconcihation." 

"You  should  not  have  accused  me  of  committing 
errors  unless  you  are  willing  to  hear  of  your  own,"  said 
William. 

The  general  here  interposed. 

"  This  conversation,"  said  he,  "  only  makes  things 
worse.  Let  us  come  to  an  understanding.  Your  moth- 
er, sister,  relatives,  friends,  and  myself,  are  bitterly  op- 
posed to  the  reception  of  such  a  person  as  an  inn-keep- 
er's daughter  into  our  family.  Now,  William,  I  wish 
to  know  if,  in  opposition  to  all  our  wishes,  you  still  con- 


OR  THE  DISIINHERITED.  205 

tinue  determined  to  connect  yourself  with  such  a  de- 
testable family  ? " 

"  Family  !  father  !"  said  William,  "  I  do  not  wish  to 
marry  the  family,  I  only  wish  the  daughter  !  It  is  with 
her  I  expect  to  live ;  her  to  protect  and  love ;  and  not 
her  family.  But,  to  be  more  explicit,  I  beheve  a  man 
is  the  best  judge  of  what  will  please  himself;  that  he 
ought  to  know  whom  he  fancies,  and  that,  having  se- 
lected one  to  please  himself,  he  should  marry  her^  no 
matter  how  much  such  a  step  will  displease  others. 
And  as  I  have  selected  mine,  and  am  of  age,  I  shall 
do  so.'''' 

'•  You  are  a fool,"  said  the  general,  in  a  rage. 

Mrs.  Colborn  gave  a  deep  groan,  and  rang  the  bell 
for  a  servant,  and  Melissa  burst  into  tears. 

The  announcement  here  of  George  North  put  an  end 
to  this  disagreeable  scene.  As  he  entered.  Sir  William 
and  his  lady  left  the  apartment. 

North  advanced  to  Melissa,  as  she  arose  to  receive 
him,  and  planted  a  kiss  upon  her  hps,  which  she  coldly 
returned. 

William  thought  how  very  different  would  this  have 
been,  had  both  loved  with  the  devotedness  that  charac- 
terized the  affection  between  himself  and  his  Kate ! 

There  they  stood,  like  lifeless  statues,  casting  cold 
glances  at  each  other,  having  impatiently  hurried  over 
a  cold  embrace  that  circumstances  had  forced  upon 
them  ! 

After  a  word  or  two  addressed  to  North,  he  excused 
himself,  and  left  them  to  their  formal  and  affected  inter- 
view, and  ascended  to  his  chamber.  He  threw  himself 
carelessly  into  a  chair,  with  his  elbow  resting  upon  a 
stand,  his  hand  supporting  his  head,  and  was  soon  lost 
in  deep  thought. 


206  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

A  gentle  tap  at  the  door  a^A-oke  him  from  his  reverie, 
and  he  called  out  "  Come  in,"  when  lo  !  his  mother  en- 
tered, and  closing  the  door,  took  the  seat  he  had  placed 
for  her  beside  him. 

"  My  son,  I  acknowledge  that  your  father  and  myself 
have  been  carried  away  by  passion,  and  have  said  many 
things  in  our  excitement  that  we  would  not  have  said 
had  we  been  more  composed ;  but  the  case  is  aggravat- 
ing in  the  extreme.  I  have  come  to  you  now  to  have  a 
httle  conversation,  wholly  devoid  of  passion." 

"  This  opportunity  is  w^hat  I  have  been  wishing  for, 
dear  mother,"  said  he,  "  in  order  to  show  you  some 
reason  for  my  plebeian  selection." 

"  You  are  aw^are,"  said  his  mother,  "  that  your  fa- 
ther's family  and  mine  are  amongst  the  first  in  London 
and  Devonshire,  and  for  a  century  back  have  so  ranked. 
No  pains  or  expense  have  been  spared  on  your  educa- 
tion, and  by  your  superior  attainments  and  your  father's 
influence,  you  have  been  advanced  to  a  high  station  in 
the  navy  —  for  one  of  your  age  —  and  bid  fair  to  be 
promoted  still  higher.  Melissa  is  to  connect  us  with 
tho  noble  family  of  North,  that  even  to  William  the 
Conqueror  trace  back  their  lineage.  You,  my  son,  with 
all  these  advantages,  could  demand  the  hand  of  nearly 
any  lady  in  England.  You  have  been  often  spoken  of 
to  Melissa  by  young  ladies  of  her  acquaintance  in  such' 
a  w^ay  as  to  show  that  they  are  interested  in  you.  More 
than  one  has  hinted  this  to  her  quite  plainly ;  and  one 
of  the  most  charming  girls  of  our  acquaintance  spoke 
to  me  the  other  day  about  you,  and  asked,  in  a  manner 
showing  a  lively  interest  in  the  information,  when  you 
were  expected  home.  If  you  would,  my  dear  "WilHe, 
recall  your  usual  good  sense,  and  solicit  the  hand  of  one 
of  these,  you  might  enhance  your  position  and  standing 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  207 

in  society,  which  are  ah-eady  enviable,  as  you  are  the 
direct  heir  to  the  rank  and  wealth  of  your  honored 
.father/' 

"  The  standing  of  the  family,  dear  mother,  as  I  have 
said  before,  if  so  very  high,  cannot  be  injured  by  my 
marriage  even  with  one  far  beneath  me." 

"  It  is  impossible,  my  son,  to  stoop  so  low  without  in- 
jury to  ourselves." 

"  Would  you  not  be  willing,"  asked  William,  ''  to  sac- 
rifice a  little  of  your  wishes  in  regard  to  family  stand- 
ing, to^romote  my  pleasure  and  happiness  still  more  ?" 

"  I  cannot  conceive,"  said  she,  "  how  stooping  far  be- 
low one's  level,  with  the  consequent  loss  of  self-respect 
which  must  follow,  can  in  any  way  promote  one's  hap- 
piness." 

"  Do  you  not  believe  in  love,  mother  ?  In  that  mys- 
serious  passion  that  attracts  beings  of  opposite  sexes  to 
each  other?" 

"  I  do,"  she  replied,  "  but  know  not  why  one  should 
descend  so  low,  when  there  are  equal  if  not  superior 
attractions  in  a  higher  class." 

"  Because,  dear  mother,  destiny — only  another  name 
for  divine  will  —  creates  our  likes  and  dislikes,  and 
knowing  no  difference  of  rank  or  position  in  society,  it 
is  quite  as  likely  to  bring  about  attachments  between 
persons  far  differently  circumstanced  in  life,  as  if  their 
advantages  were  in  all  things  the  same." 

"What  is  she  like?"  asked  Mrs.  Colborn,  sarcastic- 
ally; "what  are  the  wonderful  charms  she  possesses, 
that  not  one  of  all  your  numerous  acquaintances  who 
have  had  the  advantage  of  aristocratic  life,  can  vie  with 
her?" 

"  Dear  mother,  I  cannot  express  mj^self,  but  this  much 
I  know,  I  love  her  more  dearly  than  any  object;  and  if 


208  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

I  am  deprived  of  her,  I  shall  be  the  most  miserable 
man  in  existence." 

"  But  if,"  returned  his  mother,  ''  I  should  introduce  to 
you  a  lady  just  as  fair  and  lovely  as  she  is,  could  you 
not  love  her  ?  " 

"  I  am  sure  I  could  not  —  there  is  no  other  just  like 
her,  none  half  so  charming ; "  and  as  he  spoke  he  placed 
his  hand  over  his  brow,  and  became  lost  in  thinking  of 
her  he  loved. 

How  long  he  remained  in  this  state  of  reverie  he  knew 
not,  but  when  his  hand  fell  from  his  brow,  and  he  looked 
for  his  mother,  she  was  gone. 

Mrs.  Colborn  informed  her  husband  of  her  interview 
with  their  son,  and  that  he  still  opposed  their  wishes. 

"  Now,"  continued  she,  "  as  he  appears  to  love  the 
girl  very  dearly,  and  declares  that  he  will  be  miserable 
without  her,  I  think  we  had  better  throw  him  into  gay 
society;  introduce  him  to  many  young  ladies  he  has 
never  yet  seen ;  and  perhaps  some  one  will  possess  those 
wonderful  peculiarities  that  are  necessary  to  command 
his  fancy  and  love." 

"A  capital  idea,"  said  Sir  William;  "let  us  give  a 
party  at  once  —  yes,  two  or  three  —  and  no  doubt,  his 
mind  will  become  drawn  from  this  Miss  "What-is-her- 
namc." 

Mehssa  was  informed  of  her  parents'  intentions  im- 
mediately, and  acquiesced  in  the  wisdom  of  the  sug- 
gested arrangements. 

"  I,"  said  she,  "  can  select  from  my  circle  of  acquaint- 
ance young  ladies  who  would  win  the  heart  of  the  cold- 
est and  most  indifferent  man  in  existence.  There  is 
Ellen,  the  pretty  brunette  belle^  will  surely  endeavor  to 
win  his  heart ;  and  as  so  many  young  men  have  already 
been  captivated  by  her  charms,  I  doubt  not  Willie  will 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  209 

be.  But  if  she  fails  to  win  him,  the  lovely  Arabella 
will  surely  succeed.  And  'there  are  many  other  girls  of 
my  acquaintance  who  will  be  powerful  rivals  to  his  an- 
gel Kate,  as  he  calls  her.  An  inn-keeper's  daughter  ! 
to  be  named  in  comparison  with  such  ladies  as  these ! 
Nonsense  !" 

"  Arabella  is  pretty,"  said  Mrs.  Colborn,  delighted 
with  w^hat  her  daughter  had  said  ;  "  and  so  young  and 
rich,  too  !  Do  not  fail  to  send  cards  to  the  proud  Sur- 
reys ! " 

"  Ellen  is  my  fovorite,"  said  the  general.  "  She  is 
very  lovely,  and  I  declare  I  cannot  see  how  any  young 
man  can  avoid  becoming  desperately  enamored  of  her 
at  first  sight.  I  do  not  think  Willie  can  refrain  from 
loving  her.  Do  not  fail  to  send  cards  to  the  family  of 
Sir  James." 

*'  The  young  men  do  love  her,  father,"  said  Melissa. 

"  I  really  do  not  know  how  many  she  has  captivated, 
and  then  refused  to  accept  in  matrimony.  Hence  she 
is  called  a  coquette." 

"  My  word  for  it,"  proudly  said  Sir  William,  "  that 
she  will  not  refuse  our  Willie  !  No^heis  too  fine  a  man 
to  be  refused  by  any  lady  of  sense." 

"  I  hope  you  will  not  be  disappointed,  father,"  said 
Melissa  —  and  perfectly  delighted,  she  ran  away  to  in- 
form her  brother. 

WilUam  was  walking  the  ]3arlor  floor  in  deep  reflec- 
tion when  his  sister  entered. 

"I  have  not  come,  dear  brother,  to  annoy  you  with 
allusions  to  the  disagreeable  subject  of  the  morning, 
but  to  bring  you  good  news,"  said  she,  while  a  smile 
played  about  her  pretty  mouth. 

"  What  good  news  ?  "  he  asked,  the  thought  flashing 
10* 


210  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

across  his  mind  that  his  parents  had  succumbed  to  his 
wishes. 

"  We  are  to  have  a  large  party,"  she  rephed. 

"  Oh  !  is  that  all  ?  "  he  carelessly  asked — and  resumed 
his  walk. 

"  It  is  true,"  she  said,  "  that  it  is  not  near  so  much  as 
we  would  like  to  do  in  honor  of  your  return,  but  as  it 
is  now  out  of  yachting  and  hunting  season,  we  cannot 
think  of  any  better  plan  of  entertaining  you.  Yet  we  in- 
tend to  make  up  the  want  of  other  means  of  amusement, 
if  possible,  by  giving  parties  and  dinners.  We  are  de- 
termined to  make  you  happy  while  you  remain  on 
shore..  Lord  North  has  invited  us  to  dine  with  them 
next  week,  and  the  occasion  is  to  end  in  a  large  evening 
party.  There  is  a  ball  to  come  off  at  Cousin  Baxter's, 
and  others  will  follow  in  succession,  on  account  of  your 
and  Mr.  North's  arrival  home.  It  will  be  truly  a  gay 
season  within  the  circle  of  the  two  families,  as  all  are 
very  anxious  to  welcome  your  return." 

"  I  presume,"  said  William,  "  that  the  whole  will  con- 
clude with  a  grand  wedding,  as  yourself  and  George 
North  will,  of  course,  be  called  upon  shortly  to  elevate 
the  standing  of  the  family." 

Melissa  cast  upon  him  a  look  of  anger,  but  the  pleas- 
ing thought  of  the  gay  festivities  in  prospect,  probably 
to  end  as  he  had  suggested,  neutralized  the  sting  of  his 
sarcasm,  and  she  resumed  her  good  nature. 

"  Are  you  not  glad,  Willie,  that  we  are  to  be  made 
so  happy  throughout  this  gay  season  } " 

*''  I  am  pleased,"  he  replied,  "  to  think  you  are  to  be 
made  happy  by  these  gay  festivities  and  your  union 
with  George  North ;  but,  alas !  the  case  will  be  very 
different  with  me  !     And  my  feelings  are  wounded  when 


OR  THE  DISINnERITED.  211 

I  think  that  my  sister  willingly  contributes  towards  my 
wretchedness." 

"  How  so  ?"  cried  Melissa,  in  surprise. 

"  By  assisting  our  parents  in  refusing  their  consent 
to  receive  my  dear  Kate  as  a  daughter." 

"  I  have  done  only  what  I  thought  would  be  for  your 
good,  dear  brother,  and  you  certainly  ought  not  to  cen- 
sure me  for  that.  I  hope  we  shall  be  able  to  make  you 
happy  throughout  this  gay  season." 

"  When  is  the  first  party  to  come  ofi'  ?"  asked  William. 

"  As  soon  as  possible,  for  mother  and  father  are  very 
anxious  to  cheer  you  ;  to  hft  you  from  the  state  of  des- 
pondency you  appear  to  be  in ;  and  to  encourage  you 
to  be  high-spirited  and  lively  as  formerly !  Come,  dear 
Willie,  be  as  you  used  to  be,  and  throw  aside  these  de- 
jected feelings." 

"  I  hope  you  will  enjoy  the  gay  scenes  about  to  take 
place,"  said  William,  "  but  as  for  me,  I  shall  be  a  cipher 
among  those  who  attend.  I  shall  never  be  happy  until 
I  can  call  my  dear  Kate  my  lawful  wife." 

"  I  hope  to  make  you  happy  yet,"  said  Melissa,  "with- 
out such  a  sacrifice ; "  and  singing  a  line  of  a  favorite 
air,  she  skipped  out  of  the  room. 

The  invitation  cards  were  duly  sent  to  a  great  num- 
ber of  relations,  friends,  and  acquaintances.  The  gen- 
eral, Mrs.  Colborn,  and  Melissa  conversed  much  upon 
the  subject  of  the  parties,  and  George  North  being  in- 
formed of  the  plan  to  win  William  from  Kate  and  unite 
him  to  a  lady  of  rank,  entered  heartily  into  it.  Indeed, 
Sir  William  and  his  family  so  busied  themselves  in  the 
preparations,  that  they  forgot  all  their  late  gloomy  an- 
ticipations about  their  son,  and  in  their  imagination  only 
saw  him  the  admired  of  all  admirers  in  the  festive 
throng,  and  the  successful  suitor  of  some  lady  of  high 
family  and  inexhaustible  affluence. 


212 


LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


CHAPTEE  XXIII. 

THE    GRAND    PARTY. 

The  day  at  length  arrived  for  the  assemblage  of  the 
expected  party.  The  sun  left  an  unusually  pellucid  fir- 
manoent,  as  round  and  red  he  disappeared  beneath  the 
horizon.  Here  and  there  a  passing,  fleecy  cloud  might 
be  seen,  leisurely  sailing  before  the  moderate  north  wind. 
Other  clouds  were  settled  down  to  the  horizon,  but  so 
very  differently  formed  that  their  heads,  or  peaks,  might 
be  taken  for  hills  or  mountains  upon  the  land,  or  islets 
upon  the  sea. 

It  was  still  winter,  but  the  long  spell  of  boisterous 
weather  had  passed  away.  The  atmosphere,  so  long 
damp  and  depressing,  now  became  dry  and  bracing  • 
and  the  ground,  that  had  been  soft  and  mudd}^,  now^  be- 
came hard  and  frozen. 

The  last  light  of  day  disappeared,  and  myriads  of 
heavenly  orbs  shone  far  down  to  our  planet's  surface, 
ghttering  and  sparkling  through  the  transparent  atmos- ' 
phere. 

The  moon,  then  in  her  perigee,  soon  began  to  light 
the  eastern  sky,  and  seen  through  the  retiring  clouds, 
appeared  like  the  conflagration  of  some  distant  build- 
ing, when  the  flames  are  shooting  forth  from  window, 
door,  chimney,  and  roof,  and  sending  light  far  around 
and  high  above  the  neighboring  roofs. 

Bright  and  still  brighter  became  the  sky  at  her  ap- 
proach.    Dim  and  still  more  obscure  the  surrounding 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  213 

stars  as  she  advanced  above  the  hills.  Presently,  burst- 
ing into  full  view,  she  threw  her  illuminating  rays  over 
hill  and  dale,  creating  tall  shadows  among  the  trees, 
hedges,  statues,  arbors,  summer-seats,  and  other  objects. 

Such  was  the  scene  without  —  and  brilliant  was  the 
appearance  within  the  mansion  of  Sir  William,  on  the 
evening  of  the  party.  Carriage  after  carriage  drove  up 
the  lawn  —  the  footmen  let  down  their  steps,  and  gen- 
tlemen assisted  ladies  to  alight,  and  followed  them  into 
the  mansion,  where  they  were  gracefully  received. 

The  large  chandeliers  and  numbers  of  waxen  can- 
dles threw  their  brilliant  rays  over  those  vast  halls  and 
magnificently  furnished  rooms,  where  costly  carpets 
were  pressed  by  the  feet  of  ladies  and  gentlemen,  com- 
posing one  of  the  most  select,  grand,  and  aristocratic 
parties  that  had  ever  assembled  in  England.  Many  of 
the  guests  were  the  very  elite  of  the  British  nobility ; 
and  had  the  hopes  of  the  Colborns  been  realized  that 
evening,  William  must  have  selected  a  lady  of  rank,  for 
none  others  were  present. 

Ladies  most  elegantly  attired,  glittering  in  silks,  sat- 
ins, and  diamonds ;  mil  tary  men  in  full  dress  ;  civilians 
in  plain  black,  with  white  vests  and  cravats,  minghng 
gracefully  with  each  other  in  the  mazy  dance,  to  the 
lively  and  harmonious  strains  of  tiie  finest  music,  or 
seated  in  groups  in  different  parts  of  the  vast  rooms, 
presented  truly  a  fairy  scene. 

Among  the  ladies,  conspicuous  was  Arabella,  only 
daughter  of  the  Earl  of  Surrey,  a  light-hearted,  lovely 
girl  of  scarcely  eighteen  springs ;  she  w^as  of  medium 
height  and  well  proportioned.  Her  large  eyes  were  of 
a  dark  hazel,  yet  so  bright  that  none' but  a  close  ob- 
server would  have  taken  them  to  be  other  than  black. 
Her  face  was  oval,  features  regular,  and  forehead  high, 


214  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

full,  and  of  marble  smoothness ;  her  hah'  was  black, 
profuse,  and  in  massy  braids  brought  around  her  per- 
fectly shaped  head,  formed  a  coronet,  which  was  simply 
ornamented  with  white  japonicas,  fresh  from  the  hot- 
house. She  was  dressed  in  a  simple  India  muslin,  the 
web-like  texture  of  which  must  have  cost  the  labor 
of  a  life- time  of  some  poor  native.  Her  beautifully 
formed  neck  and  arms  were  adorned  with  pearls, 
and  a  cluster  of  flowers  drooped  over  her  expanded 
bosom. 

She  was,  without  doubt,  and  yet  unconsciously,  the 
most  lovely  girl  in  the  assembly. 

Her  mother  had  spoken  to  her  about  William,  and 
as  he  passed,  in  earnest  conversation  with  a  young  lady, 
she  asked  in  a  whisper,  but  with  much  earnestness,  if 
"  that  noble-looking  young  man  "  was  he. 

Noble-looking  indeed  he  appeared  as  he  promenaded 
the  rooms,  in  the  full-dress  uniform  of  a  lieutenant  in 
his  majesty's  navy.  There  was  something  about  the 
turn  of  his  features,  the  expression  of  his  eyes,  and  the 
natural  gracefulness  of  his  manners,  that  distinguished 
him  among  the  crowds  of  fashionables  around  him.  He 
moved  among  the  gay  ladies  and  gentlemen  in  a  grace- 
ful manner,  and  as  he  bowed  with  that  ease  known  only 
to  a  true  gentleman,  now  to  a  lady  of  rank,  and  now  to 
a  peer  of  England,  none,  unaware  of  the  fact,  would 
have  supposed  that  aught  but  joyousness  had  a  place  in 
his  heavy  heart. 

Ellen,  youngest  daughter  of  the  Eight  Honorable  Sir 
James  Lester,  M.  P.,  sat  by  the  side  of  Mehssa,  in 
earnest  conversation,  displaying  her  brilliant  wit,  and 
joking  her  about  the  very  aristocratic  and  wealthy 
George  North. 

She  also  was  a  very  pretty  lady,  and  among  the  gen- 


OR  THE  DISINUERITED.  215 

tlemen  bore  the  appellation  of  belle.  She  was  tall  and 
queenly,  and  as  I  have  said  before,  a  brunette.  Her 
dress  of  amber-colored  satin  well  became  her  complex- 
ion.    She  was,  however,  a  confirmed  coquette. 

"William  approached  his  sister,  and  after  a  formal  in- 
troduction to  Ellen,  he  offered  her  his  arm  for  a  prome- 
nade. As  they  moved  through  the  crowd,  conversing 
and  smiling  gaily,  one  would  have  supposed  that  he 
was  very  much  taken  with  his  new  acquaintance. 

Sir  WiUiam  looked  with  pride  and  joy  at  his  son  as 
Ellen,  leaning  upon  his  arm,  cast  into  his  face  those 
conquering  smiles  that  had  never  failed  to  bring  one  or 
other  of  her  admirers  to  her  feet ;  but  the  conquest  was 
reversed  in  this  instance,  and  unconsciously  and  unin- 
tentionally William  had  enkindled  the  flame  of  love  in 
her  heart. 

And  could  his  dear  Kate  have  looked  in  upon  them, 
and  seen  the  fond  and  lingering  glances  that  were  cast 
upon  him  by  diff'erent  ones  of  the  fair  sex,  and  particu- 
larly by  the  beautiful  Ellen,  had  there  been  a  spark  of 
the  green-eyed  monster  in  her  composition  it  must  have 
been  aroused. 

William  did  not  remain  long  with  Ellen,  for  as  soon 
as  politeness  would  admit,  he  left  her  and  glided  along 
in  search  of  some  new  pleasure  to  overcome,  if  possible, 
the  often-repeated  sighs  that  were  forced  from  his 
breast. 

The  lovely  and  modest  Arabella  had  noticed  his  at- 
tentions to  other  ladies,  and  a  feehngof  jealousy  flashed 
across  her  mind,  in  spite  of  her  exertions  to  repress  it, 
as  he  promenaded  with  one  or  danced  with  another. 
Yet  she  feared,  as  her  eyes  sought  a  sight  of  his  ap- 
proaching or  receding  figure,  that  he  would  not  come 
to  her. 


216  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

At  last,  however,  he,  accompanied  by  George  North, 
approached  her.  An  introduction  took  phice,  which  — 
although  she  knew  not  why  —  brought  the  crimson  to 
her  modest  face. 

William  seated  himself  beside  her,  and  as  he  viewed 
the  features  and  form  of  that  beautiful  girl,  he  imme- 
diately acknowledged  in  his  own  mind  that  she  was 
decidedly  the  most  lovely  and  charming  girl  that  he  had 
ever  yet  beheld,  excepting  one.  In  fact,  she  reminded 
him  of  Kate;  the  expression  of  their  eyes  was  very 
similar  —  in  consequence  of  which  he  soon  became 
much  more  pleased  with  her  society  than  with  that  of 
any  other  person  in  the  assembly. 

They  soon  joined  the  dance,  and  as  they  gracefully 
moved  over  the  floor,  it  was  remarked  that  they  were 
the  finest  couple  in  the  room. 

The  dance  being  over,  they  promenaded  up  and  down 
the  drawing-room,  keeping  up  a  sprightly  and  pleasant 
conversation.  Time  passed  on,  and  William  appeared 
to  enjoy  her  company  so  well,  that  Mrs.  Colborn  was 
perfectly  delighted,  and  remarked  to  her  daughter  she 
was  of  opinion  that  William  had  become  enamored  of 
Arabella. 

"  He  is  pleased  with  her,  no  doubt,"  said  Melissa ; 
"  and  she  also  appears  to  be  well  pleased  with  him." 

The  eyes  of  Mrs.  Colborn  assumed  a  very  pleasant 
expression,  as  she  already  fancied  their  house  united 
w^ith  the  proud  Surreys. 

'While  crowds  of  guests  moved  towards  the  banquet 
hall,  Arabella  leaned  upon  William's  arm  ;  at  the  tables, 
which  were  bountifully  loaded  with  rare  delicacies  and 
costly  viands,  he  waited  upon  her,  and  more  than  one 
young  man  looked  upon  him  with  envy,  as  they  marked 
the  modest  smiles  of  the  pretty  Arabella  cast  fondly 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED. 


217 


upoQ  him.  In  truth,  it  almost  seemed  a  pity  that  those 
smiles,  which  would  have  caused  so  much  happiness  in 
others,  were  thrown  away  on  him ;  yet  such  was  the 
case,  for  even^  she  could  not  win  him  from  his  beloved 
Kate. 

It  was  long  past  midnight  when  the  carriages  were 
again  drawn  up  to  receive  the  guests.  In  good  time  all 
had  departed,  and  quietude  again  reigned  through  the 
lordly  dwelling. 

As  -the  family  of  Sir  William  assembled  to  a  late 
breakfast  on  the  following  morning,  all  seemed  to  be  in 
high  spirits,  for  the  youthful  and  rich  Arabella,  they 
were  sure,  had  won  the  affections  of  AYiUiam.  The 
general,  unusually  sociable,  spoke  of  the  dance,  prome- 
nade, and  gay  party,  with  as  much  interest  as  would  a 
young  man  of  twenty-five. 

Mrs.  Colborn  was  very  pleasant.  In  fact,  persons  of 
such  willful  passions  are  generally  very  smooth  and 
pleasing  when  good-natured. 

Melissa  smiled,  and  looking  at  her  brother,  said,  that 
from  the  marked  attention  shown  to  Arabella  at  the 
party,  that  she  thought  he  had  become  taken  with  her. 
"  She  is  truly  a  charming  girl,"  said  William,  "  and 
far  superior  to  most  other  ladies.  She  is  well  informed 
on  general  subjects,  converses  sensibly,  and  is  not  alto- 
gether given  to  small-talk,  as  is  too  often  the  case  with 
young  ladies." 

Mehssa  smiled,  and  Sir  Wilham  and  his  lady  ex- 
changed satisfactory  glances. 

"I  fancied,  however,"  said  the  general,  "  that  Wil- 
ham's  attentions  were  directed  towards  my  favorite,  the 
daughter  of  Sir  James." 

"  I  beg  to  dift'er  with  you,  dear  father,"  said  AVilliam, 
"She  is  too  light,  artful,  conceited,  and  is  not  a  superior 
person  at  all." 


'218 

Mrs.  Colborn  smiled,  saying,  "  I  think,  as  William 
does,  that  Arabella  is  far  superior  to  the  other.  She 
certainly  is  a  lovely  girl,  and  a  great  prize,  as  she  will 
be  an  amiable  and  worthy  lady." 

*'I  was  quite  sure,"  said  Melissa,  "that  Arabella 
would  captivate  Willie's  heart ;  she  is  so  very  charming 
and  modest,  that  it  would  have  been  almost  impossible 
for  him  to  have  met  her,  conversed,  danced,  and  prome- 
naded with  her,  without  deciding  to  seek  her  hand." 

"  I  am  quite  sure,"  said  William,  with  a  smile,  "  that 
I  could  converse,  dance,  and  promenade  with  her  many 
times  without  losing  my  heart,  supposing  I  had  it  to 
lose." 

"  Oh  !  do  not  endeavor  to  turn  it  off  that  way,"  said 
Melissa,  laughing.  "  for  I  noticed  your  marked  atten- 
tions to  her,  and  could  easily  perceive  that  you  were 
very  much  in  love  with  her;  and  her  actions  showed 
the  love  was  reciprocated." 

"What!"  exclaimed  William,  "you  really  surprise 
me !  I  hope  she  did  not  think  as  you  do,  sister,  for  I 
can  assure  you  that  my  attentions  to  her  were  not  in- 
tended to  create  such  an  idea.  Can  a  gentleman  not 
converse,  dance,  or  promenade  with  a  lady  at  a  ball 
without  compromising  himself  ?  What  do  we  go  to 
balls  for,  but  to  enjoy  ourselves  in  such  ways  together  ?" 

A  degree  of  sadness  instantly  took  the  place  of  the 
pleasant  look  on  the  face  of  Mrs.  Colborn,  for  she  well 
knew  that  what  her  son  had  said  he  meant. 

The  general  looked  at  his  son  sharply,  and  showed 
quite  plainly  that  he  was  displeased. 

Melissa  cast  upon  him  a  doubtful  look,  saying,  "  I 
cannot  believe  you,  Willie  ;  I  think  you  are  jesting." 

Sir  William  and  his  lady  arose  from  the  table  with 
far  different  feelings  from  those  they  had  lately  enjoyed; 
the  candid  remarks  of  William  had  brought  back  their 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.         '  219 

former  gloomy  feelings.  But  yet  they  intended  to  per- 
severe in  endeavoring  to  turn  him  from,  what  they 
termed,  his  perverse  ways,  and  no  better  mode  could  be 
suggested  than  to  continue  to  keep  him  constantly  in 
ladTes'  society,  by  bringing  about  gay  parties  and  balls. 

The  grand  dinner  at  Lord  North's  was  followed  by 
a  ball  of  great  splendor.  Another  was  soon  given  at 
their  cousin  Baxter's,  and  for  some  time  gay  entertain- 
ments were  continued,  each  new  one  eclipsing  all  that 
preceded  it. 

Old  and  young  seemed  to  enjoy  them  equally,  and  it 
was  often  remarked  that  the  two  youthful  officers  of  the 
Eace  Horse  were  being  honored  in  an  extraordinary 
manner.  But  it  was  only  known  by  a  very  few  what 
was  the  real  object  of  so  many  gorgeous  entertainments, 
and  it  seemed  to  them  to  be  a  pity  that  so  much  pains 
and  expense  should  have  been  used  in  vain. 


220 


CHAPTER    XXIV. 

THE    DISINHERITIXG. 

A  cessation  of  these  festivities  at  last  took  place,  and 
the  numerous  aristocratic  and  gay  pleasure-seekers 
were  contented  to  remain  quiet  for  some  time.  William, 
concluding  that  his  parents  could  not  in  justice  com- 
plain —  after  the  three  weeks'  visit  —  if  he  absented 
himself  from  Mount  Prospect  for  a  short  time,  made  up 
his  mind  to  leave.  He  dreaded,  however,  to  introduce 
the  subject  to  them,  fearing  they  would  very  naturally 
ask  him  whither  he  intended  to  go,  and  as  he  would  be 
obliged  to  tell  them  the  truth,  he  was  very  well  aware 
that  there  would  be  another  troublesome  scene  between 
them  and  himself. 

However,  Kate  he  must  see,  he  was  quite  uneasy 
about  her,  as  he  had  received  letters  from  her  ( in 
answer  to  several  he  had  written),  and  she  had  inti- 
mated that  he  was  far  happier  with  his  aristocratic  friends 
than  with  the  inn-keeper's  daughter.  Although  she  did 
not  openly  complain,  yet  he  could  read  her  feelings  in 
every  letter.  He  could  not,  did  not  censure  her,  but  on 
the  contrary,  admired  and  loved  her  for  her  affection 
for  him  thus  proved.  And  it  was  not  strange  that  Kate 
should  feel  so,  after  reading  his  descriptions  of  those 
magnificent  entertainments. 

William  entered  the  parlor,  where  sat  his  parents  and 
sister.  He  dreaded  to  inform  them  of  his  intention. 
"But  I  must,"  said  he  to  himself,  "for  Kate  is  unhap- 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  221 

py  !  I  must^  I  will  go  to  her  at  once,  in  order  to  con- 
vince her  that  I  love  her,  and  to  remove  from  her  mind 
those  gloomy  forebodings.  I  have  written  enough  to 
assure  her  of  my  love,  and  have  all  along  presumed 
that  my  statements  would  remove  such  unpleasant  feel- 
ings from  her  mind,  but  it  seems  by  her  last  letter  that 
she  feels  worse  than  ever.  She  loves  me,  the  dear  crea- 
ture, and  it  is  not  strange  that  she  should  be  anxious 
about  me.     I'll  go  to  her  at  once." 

"  I  shall  not  be  able,"  commenced  William,  "  toattend 
the  next  party,  as  I  must  leave  for  a  short  time." 

"  Where  are  you  going,  Willie  ?"  asked  his  mother 
in  a  tone,  which,  although  kind,  showed  that  some  un- 
pleasant suspicion  lurked  within  her  bosom. 

William  had  been  looking  directly  at  his  mother,  but 
now  dropped  his  eyes  as  he  replied, 

"To  Plymouth." 

Mrs.  Colborn  gave  a  deep-drawn  sigh. 

The  general  arose,  and  thrusting  his  hands  into  the 
pockets  of  his  dress-coat,  commenced  walking  up  and 
down  the  room. 

Melissa  turned  half  around  on  her  chair,  and  looked 
thoughtfully  at  the  window. 

"  Have  you  received  orders,"  asked  the  general  in  a 
sarcastic  manner,  "  to  return  to  your  duty  so  soon  ? " 

"  I  have  not,  sir." 

"  Then  I  presume  you  are  going  to  visit  that  low  bar- 
maid?" 

William's  feelings  were  wounded  by  the  cruel  man- 
ner in  which  his  father  had  spoken.  He  became  quite 
out  of  temper,  but  governed  himself  when  he  remem- 
bered that  he  was  his  parent.  He  looked  first  at  his 
father,  then  at  his  mother,  and  by  their  angry  looks 
knew  he  was  about  to  receive  a  gust  that  he  dreaded 


222  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

far  more  than  a  hurricane  at  sea.  He  resolved  to  meet 
it  manfully,  however,  and  began  by  saying, 

"  I  am  not  aware  that  it  is  incumbent  on  a  man 
twenty -five  years  of  age,  to  give  an  explanation  of  the 
why  and  wherefore  he  goes  from  one  place  to  another, 
but  yet  as  you  ask  me  so  peremptorily,  I  will  answer 
that  I  am  going  to  visit  Plymouth  for  the  purpose  you 
suggest." 

"Indeed!"  ejaculated  Mrs.  Colborn  sarcastically, 
"  we  had  hoped  from  appearances  that  you  had  con- 
cluded to  abandon  your  plebeian  selection,  and  sohcit 
the  hand  of  Arabella." 

"  That,  mother,  has  never  been  my  intention." 

"  Do  not  mother  me,"  cried  Mrs.  Colborn  in  a  rage, 
"  did  any  one  ever  witness  anything  half  so  insulting  as 
to  mother  me  after  such  unnatural  treatment  ?  "  and  ris- 
ing from  her  seat  she  walked  hastily  past  her  son,  cast- 
ing on  him  a  look  of  contempt. 

"  But  if  you  would  allow  me  even  half  a  privilege  to 
defend  my  conduct,"  implored  William,  as  he  burst  into 
tears,  "if  you  would  but  allow  yourselves  to  see  the 
person  I  have  selected,  to  Hsten  to  her  pure  and  noble 
sentiments,  and  to  know  how  excellent  is  her  character, 
how  sweet  her  disposition,  you  would  surely  hke  her, 
and  could  not  possibly  object  to  allowing  me  my  heart's 
choice." 

"  Do"  you  seriously  intend  to  visit  her  now,  in  the 
midst  of  our  festivities,  got  up  specially  on  your  ac- 
count ?"  demanded  Sir  William  in  an  angry  tone. 

"I  consider  that  I  am  bound  in  honor,  as  by  my  in- 
clination, so  to  do,"  replied  "William  calmly. 

Melissa  burst  into  tears ;  she  well  knew  that  her  par- 
ents were  now  becoming  more  and  more  enraged,  and. 
that  a  serious  quarrel  was  inevitable. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  223 


"  It  is  useless  to  listen  any  longer  to  such  a  foolish, 
stupid  wretch,"  cried  Mrs.  Colborn  in  a  passion,  "  and 
to  shorten  the  affair,  I  wish  it  understood  that  I  shall 
no  longer  recognize  him  as  my  son." 

"  William!"  said  his  father  in  a  firm  voice,  "  if  you 
persist  in  this  willful  disobedience,  I  shall  cast  you  off* 
from  my  title  and  fortune  forever.  Will  you  abandon 
that  low  creature,  or  not?" 

"  I  shall  never  abandon  ray  betrothed  wife,"  replied 
William,  "  no  matter  what  may  be  the  consequence." 

"  Then,  sir,"  said  the  general,  "  since  you  will  crush 
our  pride,  and  treat  our  exertions  to  save  you  from  fall- 
ing into  the  lowest  society,  with  perfect  indifference ; 
since  you  refuse  to  yield  to  the  persuasion  and  tears  of 
your  affectionate  mother ;  the  entreaties  of  an  only  and 
beloved  sister,  and  the  good  advice  of  an  indulgent 
father,  wiio  is  ready  and  willing  to  do  all  in  his  power 
to  promote  your  welfare ;  I  forever  cut  you  off"  from  the 
heirship  and  honorable  title  of  the  house  of  Colborn. 
Go  your  own  way  !  Leave  us,  and  no  longer  disgrace 
and  contaminate  these  walls  !  Go  from  Mount  Prospect 
forever  !  You  are  no  longer  our  son  !  I  disinherit  you 
forever ! " 

William's  manly  face  turned  ashy  pale  at  those  cruel 
and  unnatural  words,  and  he  cast  his  eyes  towards  his 
mother  in  hopes  of  some  sympathy.  But  alas  !  he  was 
doomed  to  disappointment,  for  as  his  glance  met  her 
cold  and  unfeehng  look,  she  cruelly  said,  "And  I  sanc- 
tion your  father's  decision." 

William,  now  completely  unmanned,  fell  upon  his 
knees  before  the  woman  who  had  fondled  him  in  in- 
fancy, watched  with  interest  his  every  desire,  looked 
upon  him  with  pride  as  her  only  boy,  and  since  in  man- 
hood, as  the  prop,  hope,  and  pride  of  the  family. 


224  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

He  implored  her  by  the  love  she  had  once  borne  him, 
to  intercede  u'ith  his  father  to  recall  the  words  that 
he  had  uttered.  "  Dear  mother,"  he  cried,  "  I  am  not 
answerable  for  the  emotions  and  sentiments  the  Creator 
has  implanted  within  me.  The  girl  you  despise  I  met 
and  loved  almost  instantly.  I  can  be  truly  happy  with 
her,  and  with  no  other.  I  cannot  unite  myself  to  either 
of  the  ladies  you  wish  me  —  although  I  acknowledge 
they  are  lovely  and  worthy  —  because  my  heart  is  in 
the  possession  of  another.  Will  you  continue  to  make 
your  son  unhappy  ?  Dear  mother,  will  you  cast  me  off? 
Will  you  throw  away  your  son,  your  own  son,  your  only 
son,  because  he  loves  a  person  you  do  not  like,  and  yet 
have  never  seen  ?  Do  not,  I  beg  of  you,  turn  me  away, 
persuade  father  to  recall  the  awful  sentences  that  have 
cursed  his  own  son.  Oh  !  say  not  that  I  am  to  be  thrust 
out  of  doors  an  outcast !  Not  for  the  sake  of  the  heir- 
ship do  I  plead  —  for  that  I  do  not  care ;  not  for  title 
and  rank  —  they  have  long  since  been  banished  from 
my  wishes,  but  for  the  sake  of  the  love  I  bear  you  all, 
for  the  sake  of  the  natural  attachment  I  have  for  home  ! 
dear  home!" 

The  proud  spirit  of  Mrs.  Colborn  quailed  before  her 
son's  powerful  and  touching  pleading,  and  for  an  instant 
her  hard  heart  was  pierced  ;  but  forming  a  new  resolu- 
tion, she  said  firmly, 

"  My  determination  is  unaltered." 

William,  wishing  to  appeal  once  more  to  the  heart 
of  his  mother,  before  he  left  them  forever,  continued, 

"  Beloved  mother !  it  is  from  yourself  that  I  have  in- 
herited my  nature.  And  as  you  reared  me  from  infancy, 
am  I  wholly  to  blame  for  what  you  call  a  foolish  freak  ? 
Furthermore,  you  must  acknowledge  that  it  is  destiny 
that  has  ordered  my  selection,  and  yet  in  opposition  to 


OR  TKE  DISINHERITED.  225 

your  own  belief,  you  condemn  me  to  a  punishment  that 
is  worse  than  slavery." 

The  general  turned  pale  at  these  last  words,  for  no 
matter  how  solicitous  he  was  in  maintaining  his  rank  in 
society,  he  was  a  great  believer  in  destiny,  and  the 
words  of  his  son  sank  deep  into  his  heart.  But  the 
idea  of  a  family  connection  with  such  low  people  brought 
back  his  former  determination,  and  he  bade  his  son  de- 
part, unless  he  would  accede  to  their  wishes. 

His  mother,  too,  remained  unaltered  in  her  decision. 
Any  other  woman  would  have  at  least  granted  his  often 
repeated  request,  of  allowing  him  to  introduce  his  in- 
tended wife,  that  a  perception  of  her  good  qualities 
might,  in  some  degree,  atone  for  her  low  birth.  But 
no,  she  would  not  listen  to  it,  and  in  spite  "of  his  many 
appeals  to  her  feelings  from  his  wounded,  bleeding 
heart,  she  turned  aside  from  her  only  son  with  unnatur- 
al and  cruel  contempt. 

He  arose,  and  walked  slowly  away,  but  on  reaching 
the  door  he  turned,  and  cast  upon  his  parents  an  implor- 
ing look,  hoping  that  they  would  repent,  or  at  least  give 
him  a  parting  word  of  kindness.  But  no,  the  accursed 
love  of  rank  had  filled  their  hearts,  crushing  out  every 
noble  feeling ! 

Melissa,  however,  could  not  let  him  go  without  one 
token  of  affection.  She  sprang  towards  him,  and  em- 
braced him  with  a  sister's  love.  No  parents,  unless  pos- 
sessing hearts  as  hard  as  adamant,  could  have  looked 
upon  their  only  children,  as  they  thus  clung  together 
and  sobbed  as  if  their  hearts  would  break,  without 
having  some  slight  emotions  of  regret  for  the  misery 
they  were  causing. 

But  alas  !  the  cold  hearts  of  Sir  \Yilliam  and  his  wife 
were  not  touched,-  and  they  allowed  him  to  depart  with- 
11 


226  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

out  one  kind  word,  one  parting  shake  of  the  hand.  He 
took  his  hat,  cane,  and  coat,  and  planting  a  farewell  kiss 
upon  the  lips  of  Melissa,  walked  through  the  hall,  and 
while  half  a  dozen  fine  horses  stood  in  the  stables,  pro- 
ceeded on  foot  down  the  road.  As  he  reached  the 
brink  of  the  hill,  where  the  last  view  of  the  mansion  was 
to  be  had,  he  stopped  and  buttoned  up  his  overcoat  and 
put  on  his  gloves,  to  protect  him  from  the  cold  and 
piercing  air  of  winter,  and  cast  a  glance  at  the  parlor 
windows,  hoping  his  parents  would  be  touched  and  call 
him  back.  But  no  window  was  raised  to  allow  of  the 
wave  of  a  handkerchief;  no  servant  appeared  to  say  he 
was  wanted  at  the  house  ;  and  with  a  heavy  heart  he 
turned  and  walked  as  far  as  the  lodge. 

"  John,"  said  he,  "  you  have  always  been  kind  to  me, 
so  take  this  little  present,  for  you  will  see  me  no  more," 
and  as  he  spoke  he  handed  him  a  piece  of  gold  and  dis- 
appeared. 

After  four  days'  journey  he  arrived  at  Plymouth. 
He  hurried  on  to  meet  the  only  one  he  really  and 
truly  believed  to  be  a  friend. 

It  was  late  when  he  reached  the  inn,  and  entered  the 
little  parlor.  It  did  not  compare  witli  the  magnificent 
drawing-room  of  Mount  Prospect,  but  yet  it  had  a  far 
happier  look  to  him,  and  when  the  graceful  figure  of 
Kate  entered  to  meet  him,  he  rushed  forward  to  embrace 
her,  and  bursting  into  tears,  exclaimed,  "My  own 
Kate,  I  feel  as  if  you  are  the  only  friend  I  have  in  the 
world." 

Kate  caressed  him,  and  asked  why  he  came  to  her  in 
so  much  anxiety  of  mind. 

"  Oh !  I  am  an  outcast,"  he  cried,  "  I  am  disinher- 
ited!" 

But  we  will  allow  them  to  remain  together  undis- 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  227 

turbed,  for  such  scenes  are  too  sacred  for  the  sight  of  a 
third  party. 

That  very  day  a  letter  had  been  placed  in  the  hands 
of  Mr.  Pederson,  whicli  read  as  follows : 

Mount  Prospect,  Jan.  — ,  179 -.  ' 
Mr.  George  Pederson, 

Sir  : — It  is  with  painful  emotions  that  I  write 
this  epistle,  as  my  son  William  intends  to  marry  your 
daughter  without  my  consent.  I  do  not  wish  in  any 
way  to  wound  your  feehngs,  but,  as  the  respective  posi- 
tions of  our  families  are  widely  diverse  in  society,  and 
as  there  are  many  other  reasons  which  make  the  pro- 
posed union  objectionable,  I  beg  you  will  oppose  the 
same  with  your  utmost  power. 

Yours  most  truly, 

Sir  William  Colboen. 


228  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


CHAPTEE    XXV. 

THE  PREPARATION    FOR    MARRIAGE. 

Kate  listened  to  her  lover's  narrative  with  painful 
anxiety,  for  although  she  had  predicted  that  there  would 
be  much  trouble  at  Mount  Prospect,  yet  she  did  not 
think  his  parents  would  have  so  cruelly  driven  him  from 
their  doors.  She  wept  for  having  been  the  innocent 
cause  of  inflicting  such  pangs  on  William's  heart,  and 
would  wilhngly  have  transfen-ed  the  trouble  to  her  own, 
and  relieved  him  of  the  pain.  She  consoled  him  with 
her  caresses,  and  in  kind  language  said  she  hoped  they 
would  yet  be  happy,  as  in  almost  all  instances  of  the 
kind,  reconciliation  and  forgiveness  had  in  the  end  been 
brought  about.  Kate  was  not  a  person  to  give  way  to 
difficulties ;  she  had  no  idea  of  allowing  any  obstacle, 
no  matter  how  great,  to  deprive  her  of  the  man  she 
loved  ;  and  however  much  his  parents  might  disapprove 
of  their  betrothal,  it  had  no  effect  on  her  determination. 
But  her  father  having  received  the  letter  of  which  the 
reader  is  cognizant,  from  Sir  William  Colborn,  and  as  he 
had  not  previously  approved  of  his  daughter's  choice, 
now  formed  a  resolution  to  break  up  the  match,  and 
bring  about  one  between  her  and  the  gentlemanly  Mr. 
Carey. 

"  Mr.  Pederson,"  said  Colborn  respectfully,  as  they 
were  seated  alone  in  the  sitting-room,  ^*  I  have  been 
paying  my  addresses  to  your  worthy  daughter,  and  as 
you  are  aware,  have  won  her  heart." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  229 

Mr.  Pederson  closed  the  half-open  door. 

"  I  have  met  with  much  opposition,"  continued  the 
lieutenant,  "  on  the  part  of  my  j^arents,  but  I  still  ad- 
here to  my  resolution,  and  they  have  cruelly  disinher- 
ited me." 

"  Is  it  possible  ?"  exclaimed  Mr.  Pederson  in  astonish- 
ment. 

''  It  is,  sir  ;  and  yet  I  bear  up  under  the  pressure  as 
well  as  can  be  expected,  as  your  daughter  consoles  me 
in  my  grief,  and  with  her  composed  and  easy  manner 
of  meeting  trouble,  has  almost  taught  me  at  times  to 
forget  it.  I  have  come  to  you  now,  and  although  re- 
gretting that  I  have  to  bring  with  me  the  name  of  out- 
cast, make  bold  to  supplicate  you  for  the  hand  of  your 
daughter,  whom  I  love  as  dearly  as  my  hfe." 

Mr.  Pederson,  for  reasons  already  well  known  to  the 
reader,  was  not  at  all  prepared  to  grant  William's  re- 
quest. 

"  Mr.  Colborn,"  said  he,  "  to  permit  my  daughter  to 
accept  in  matrimony  the  man  her  heart  has  chosen,  has 
been  and  still  is  my  intention,  but  as  your  parents  are 
bitterly  opposed  to  the  union,  I  think  you  had  better 
patiently  think  the  subject  over,  and  wait  till  you  can 
obtain  their  approval." 

"  That  I  am  sure  I  can  never  do." 

"  Do  you  not  think  it  is  wrong  to  disobey  your  par- 
ents?" 

"Not  when  they  demand  of  me  what  is  unjust  and 
cruel." 

"  Allow  me  to  talk  to  you  just  as  your  father  would," 
said  Mr.  Pederson  in  a  kind  manner. 

"  I  wish  my  father  had  spoken  to  me  half  as  kind," 
thought  William. 

"  You  have  become  enamored  of  my  Kate,  and  no 


230  LIEUTENANT  COLBORK, 

doubt  are  very  happy  in  her  society,  very  much  pleased 
to  look  upon  her  and  imagine  her  yours.  Such  is  the 
case  with  almost  all  young  men  in  like  circumstances, 
and  in  fact  it  often  happens  that  they  fancy  one,  two, 
or  three  pretty  girls  before  they  make  their  selections 
for  wives.  Then  they  look  back  and  say,  '  How  stupid 
I  was  to  love  Miss  — ,  or  Miss  — ,  for  now  1  care  noth- 
ing about  either  of  them.'  Now  I  have  no  doubt  but 
this  v.ill  be  your  case  exactly,  particularly  as  you  can 
boast  of  so  many  advantages.  Besides,  when  you  get 
older,  when  more  substantial  aims  and  aspirations  fill 
your  breast  than  light  love,  you  will  regret  the  step  you 
now  wish  to  take.  I  am  certain  it  would  be  better  for 
you  to  obey  your  parents." 

"  They  have  disinherited  me,  sir,  and  turned  me  out 
of  doors." 

"  No  doubt  they  take  it  very  much  at  heart,"  said 
Mr.  Pederson,  "  and  not  without  cause.  People  at  fifty 
have  more  experience  in  these  matters  than  those  at 
twenty-five,  and  a  just  allowance  should  be  made  for 
their  views." 

"  I  admit  it,"  said  William  respectfully,  "  and  also 
hold  that  there  ought  to  be  a  just  allowance  made  for 
the  passions  of  the  human  heart ;  but  my  parents  make 
no  such  allowance,  all  they  care  for  is  self-aggrandize- 
ment and  rank." 

"  I  would  kindly  advise  you,"  said  Mr.  Pedersoji,  "  to 
return  to  your  parents,  and  converse  with  them  on  the 
subject." 

"  And  if  they  should  say  —  as  I  am  sure  they  would 
—  that  they  would  not  recognize  me  unless  I  abandoned 
your  daughter  —  what  should  I  say  ?" 

"  Eeason  with  them,"  answered  Mr.  Pederson,  "  and 
if  they  still  withhold  their  consent,  be  a  dutiful  son  and 
obey  them." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  231 

"They  will  not  reason,"  returned  "William,  "  all  their 
talk  and  arguments  are  based  on  family  interest ;  and 
for  me  to  sacrifice  my  dear  Kate,  and  make  both  of  us 
wretched,  I  can  not." 

"  Then  I  know  not  what  to  say,"  said  Mr.  Pederson. 
"  It  is  certainly  hard  to  refuse  my  child  her  happiness, 
on  the  one  hand ;  and  wTong  to  cause  unhappiness  in 
your  family,  and  my  own  future  dissatisfaction,  on  the 
other." 

"  There  is  no  reasonable  cause  why  my  union  with 
your  daughter  should  cause  feelings  of  regret  in  the 
bosoms  of  members  of  my  father's  family,  and  I  do  not 
see  how  it  can  in  any  way  cause  you  future  discontent- 
ment ;  then  such  a  step  would  enhance  your  daughter's 
happiness,  and  this,  since  she  is  your  only  remaining 
child,  should  naturally  be  your  chief  object  in  hfe." 

Still  IMr.  Pederson  would  not  give  his  consent,  but 
continued  to  advise  him  to  return  to  his  parents. 

William,  becoming  dejected  from  meeting  with  so 
much  opposition,  remained  in  silent  thought  for  a  few 
minutes,  and  then  said, 

"  It  appears  that  fate  is  against  m^  !  I  was  opposed 
in  this  matter  by  my  parents  bitterly,  and  notwithstand- 
ing I  argued,  persuaded,  and  upon  my  bended  knees 
begged,  they  coldly  refused  my  request,  and  turned  me 
from  them.  Then  I  came  to  you,  sir,  but  alas  !  you 
would  send  me  back  to  my  cruel  parents,  although  I 
repeatedly  tell  you  there  is  no  hope  there.  Even  you 
refuse  to  grant  my  request,  and  the  dearest  wish  of  your 
only  daughter.  Oh  Kate  ! "  he  continued,  "  were  you 
not  left,  I  should  indeed  be  a  friendless  man!  I'll  go 
to  her  for  that  consolation  that  all  others  refuse." 

He  left  the  apartment,  and  shortly  afterwards  Kate 
entered. 


232  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  Kate,"  said  Mr.  Pederson,  "  I  have  received  this  let- 
ter from  Sir  William  Colborn,"  and  he  handed  it  to  her. 

Having  finished  reading  it,  she  remarked  that  William 
had  informed  her  all  about  the  matter. 

"  This  annoys  me  very  much,"  said  Mr.  Pederson. 

''  What  does,  father  ?  " 

"  This  intended  marriao:e." 

''  Then  you  are  more  anxious,"  said  Kate,  "  to  pro- 
mote the  interests  and  happiness  of  strangers  than  of 
your  daughter." 

This  was  an  argument  the  old  gentleman  could  hardly 
oppose. 

"  Do  not  think,  dear  child,  that  I  am  not  interested  in 
your  welfare,  for  I  am,  but  my  principal  objection  is, 
that  I  fear  if  you  should  be  united  with  Mr.  Colborn, 
3^ou  would  be  lost  to  me  forever. 

"  Dear  father  ! "  she  sobbed,  as  she  enfolded  his  neck 
in  her  arms,  "  can  you  possibly  think  I  would  for- 
sake you  ?  or  that  I  would  no  longer  love  you  :  Think 
not  that  because  I  love  William,  all  the  love  I  have 
borne  you  is  transferred  to  him  ?  Harbor  not  such  a 
thought !  I  love  you  all  the  more  for  loving  him  ;  nev- 
er let  such  cruel  ideas  enter  your  head,  dear  father,  for 
I  will  never  forsake  you,  nor  leave  you  alone." 

"  My  noble  child,"  cried  he,  clasping  her  to  his  heart, 
"  since  you  speak  so  sincerely  and  earnestly,  I  am  con- 
vinced on  that  point;  but  inasmuch  as  a  son  owes  a 
dutyv  of  obedience  to  his  parents,  I  appeal  to  your  good 
principle,  and  ask  if  Mr.  Colborn's  disobedience  ought 
to  be  encouraged?" 

"  I  approve,^  dear  father,  of  such  obedience,  when  it 
is  consistent  with  what  is  just  and  reasonable,  and  does 
not  interfere  with  the  future  happiness  of  others.  Lieu- 
tenant Colborn  is  of  age,  very  intelhgent,  and  has  been 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  233 

much  in  society,  and  /  think  ought  to  be  allowed  the 
privilege  of  choosing  for  himself  His  parents,  not  ap- 
proving the  selection,  should  give  him  the  best  of  ad- 
vice, according  to  the  views  that  years  and  experience 
had  given  them,  and  if  such  advice  does  not  change  his 
mind,  they  no  longer  should  oppose  him,  or  at  least 
should  not  carry  their  opposition  so  far  as  to  wound  his 
feelings  and  pride.  But  his  parents,  without  listening 
to  his  appeals  and  reasons,  have  disinherited  him,  and 
driven  him  from  their  home  an  outcast.  Under  these 
cruel  circumstances,  can  you  censure  me,  dear  father, 
for  clinging  to  him,  as  a  friend,  a  lover,  a  promised  wife 
—  chnging  to  him  as  my  dear  departed  mother  would 
have  clung  to  you,  had  your  circumstances  been  simi- 
lar?" 

Mr.  Pederson  was  touched  by  these  remarks,  and  par- 
ticularly by  the  last  appeal,  and  placing  his  hand  upon 
her  head,  he  said,  "  Dear  child,  act  as  you  think  best. 
I  will  no  longer  oppose  you,  and  may  that  unseen  pow- 
er that  regulates  the  fate  of  the  children  of  men,  guide 
and  protect  you  through  life."  And  wiping  the  tears 
from  his  eyes,  he  descended  to  the  bar-room, 

"  Dear  Kate,"  said  William,  as  he  entered  and  en- 
circled her  waist  with  his  arm,  "  does  your  father  still 
persist  in  withholding  his  consent  ?  " 

A  pleasant  smile  played  around  her  pretty  mouth, 
and  casting  upon  him  a  glance  of  love,  pride,  and  hap- 
piness, she  answered  modestly,   "  He  does  not." 

"  Then  am  I  satisfied,"  he  cried,  "  for  now  we  shall  be 
happy,"  and  he  pressed  her  still  closer  to  his  heart. 

"  Dear  WiUiam,"  said  she,  "  I  should  have  been  high- 
ly gratified,  and  very  much  pleased  with  you,  and  should 
have  freely  given  you  my  hand,  had  you  been  only  my 
equal  in  society,  but  to  think  that  you  have  selected  me 
II* 


234  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

in  preference  to  either  of  the  many  proud  ladies  of  rank 
you  might  have  taken,  that  you  have  braved  the  oppo- 
sition of  your  parents,  relatives,  and  friends,  and  even 
forsaken  your  rich  and  titled  inheritance,  all  for  a  poor 
girl  like  me,  enhances  all  the  love  I  bear  you  tenfold  ! 
Still  I  can  not  but  censure  myself  for  causing  you,  al- 
though unintentionally,  to  make  that  sacrifice." 

"  Best  and  noblest  of  your  sex,"  cried  William,  "  you 
are  worthy  of  all  I  have  sacrificed,  and  more,  too,  for  I 
can  assure  you  with  truth,  that  I  love  you  far  better 
than  all  their  wealth,  title,  station,  or  rank.  Now  I  am 
truly  happy,  and  care  not  for  the  opinions  of  others." 

Mr.  Pederson's  consent  having  been  obtained,  prepa- 
rations for  the  marriage  were  at  once  commenced,  and 
the  inn  became  a  scene  of  lively  bustle  consequent 
thereon. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  235 


CHAPTER    XXVI. 

THE    ABDUCTION. 

"  What  means  all  this  excitement,  Eose  ? "  asked  Fel- 
lows, as  he  hastily  entered  the  kitchen. 

" Is  it  possible  that  Mr.  Carey  does'nt  know?"  said 
the  girl,  artfully. 

"  I  do  not,  for  I  have  not  been  told  of  any  transaction 
that  should  cause  so  much  bustle."  And  he  cast  upon 
her  an  angry  look,  as  though  he  thought  she  ought  to 
have  informed  him  previously. 

"  Then  I  would'nt  like  to  tell  you." 

"Why  not?" 

"  Because  'twould  make  you  angry." 

"At  you?" 

"  Yes  !  at  every  one  ! " 

"  It  can  not  make  me  angry  at  yoz^,"  he  cried,  "  so 
speak  quickly,  for  you  have  aroused  my  curiosity." 

"  Ask  Mr.  Pederson!"  said  Rose,  wishing  to  evade, 
if  possible,  an  answer  that  she  knew  would  irritate  him. 

"  Why  will  you  aggravate  me,  Rose  ?     Speak  !" 

"  There  is  to  be  a  wedding  here ! " 

"What!  her  wedding!"  cried  Fellows,  "MissPe- 
derson's  wedding ! " 

"Yes!" 

He  looked  at  her,  and  essayed  to  speak,  but  his  tongue 
refused  to  obey.  He  fixed  his  eyes  upon  her  with  such 
a  ghastly  look  that  Rose  became  frightened  and  re- 
treated aside. 


236  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

His  .senses  suddenly  seemed  to  abandon  him,  and  with 
features  pale  he  sat  motionless  as  a  statue.  He  remain- 
ed in  this  state  a  few  minutes,  w^hen  (as  she  was  about 
to  go  for  assistance)  he  began  to  recover.  His  eyes 
assumed  a  more  life-like  look,  his  head  moved,  and  the 
blood  began  to  return  to  his  face.  His  nerves  and  sys- 
tem had  received  a  fearful  shock,  but  he  soon  came  en- 
tirely to,  and  rising  from  the  chair,  said  angrily,  "  Why 
did  you  not  inform  me  that  this  was  about  to  take 
place  ?  " 

"  I  did'nt  know  it  until  this  morning,"  answ^ered  Kose, 
"  and  if  I  had,  am  I  obliged  to  tell  you  all  I  know  } " 

"  Just  as  I  thought !  You  are  in  league  with  your 
mistress  ;  you  have  been  deceiving  me  all  this  time." 

The  blood  mounted  to  Rose's  face  with  passion,  as  she 
exclaimed,  "  It  is  false  !  It  is'nt  my  fault  that  you  have 
not  succeeded  in  winning  Miss  Pederson  ;  on  the  con- 
trary, it  would  have  pleased  me.  And  because  she  has 
accepted  Mr.  Colborn,  you  are  angry,  and  throw  your 
spite  on  me."  And  as  the  tears  gushed  to  her  eyes, 
partly  from  anger  and  partly  from  wounded  feelings, 
she  started  to  go  towards  the  door,  saying,  -"  I'll  go  to 
Mr.  Pederson,  Miss  Pederson,  for  they  will  not  allow 
you,  sir,  or  any  other  lodger,  to  talk  to  me  in  such  a 
manner." 

"  Oh  !  do  not  go  to  them,"  said  Fellows,  "  it  would 
make  a  deal  of  trouble.  Besides,  if  you  go,  I'll  inform 
them  of  all  you  have  told  me  about  the  family." 

This  brought  Rose  to  her  senses,  and  becoming  more 
composed,  she  returned  to  her  former  place  in  the 
kitchen. 

"You  will  not  mention  it,  wnll  you.  Rose,?"  he  in- 
quired, in  a  kind  manner,  following  her. 

She  did  not  answer. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  237 

"Eose!  Eose!" 

Still  she  did  not  answer,  and  as  he  left  the  kitchen  he 
said,  "  If  you  do,  I'll  fill  their  ears  with  enough  to  ruin 
you." 

He  ascended  to  his  room,  and  throwing  himself  care- 
lessly into  a  chair,  abstractedly  said,  "  I  ca7i  not,  will 
not,  see  her  possessed  by  another." 

Subsequently  he  became  more  calm.  However,  he 
frequently  paced  the  floor  of  his  room,  as  if  something 
weighed  heavily  on  his  mind ;  but  in  the  presence  of  the 
family,  appeared  quite  cheerful  and  loquacious. 

Mr.  Colborn  had,  about  this  time,  suddenly  received 
a  summons  from  the  admiralty  to  go  to  London,  upon 
important  business,  relative  to  his  station  in  the  navy. 
Hoping  he  would  be  detained  but  a  few  days,  he  took 
an  affectionate  leave  of  his  betrothed,  and  started  on 
his  journey. 

Mr.  Pederson  and  his  daughter  had  frequently  dined 
with  Fellows  on  board  of  the  Nancy,  and  upon  these 
occasions  had  enjoyed  themselves  very  much.  It  was 
a  treat  to  sail  in  a  boat  off  to  the  brigantine  and  l>ack, 
to  promenade  the  white  decks,  eat  delicious  food,  and 
drink  sparkling  champagne,  and  they  w^ere  always  hap- 
py to  hear  Mr.  Carey  say  that  he  should  be  pleased  to 
have  them  go  on  board. 

"  Another  lunch  comes  off  on  board  to-morrow,"  said 
Fellows,  to  Mr.  Pederson,  "  and  I  think  the  weather 
will  be  fine  to  favor  us.  Should  be  happy  to  have  the 
presence  of  you  and  your  lovely  daughter." 

"Oh!  thank  you;  you  are  very  kind,  and  I  shall 
avail  myself  of  the  opportunity ;  but  Kate  is  so  busy 
just  now,  that  we  cannot  depend  on  her  society." 

Next  day  the  old  gentleman  was  in  excellent  spirits, 


/ 

238  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

and  the  weather  was  so  fine,  the  water  so  smooth,  the 
breeze  so  moderate,  that  the  female  members  of  the 
family  were  tempted  to  take  a  sail  also.  At  one  o'clock 
P.  M.,  the  little  party,  including  Fellows,  walked  down 
Pell  street  until  reaching  the  landing,  where  a  boat  lay 
in  waiting.  He  waited  on  them  into  the  boat,  and  taking 
a  seat  beside  them,  ordered  the  officer  in  charge  to  pro- 
ceed on  board. 

The  blades  of  the  oars  fell  simultaneously  into  the 
water,  and  the  boat  moved  forward. 

"  Unship  the  oars  and  set  the  sails,"  said  Fellows,  to 
the  delight  of  his  guests ;  and  soon  her  white  wings 
were  spread  over  them,  and  the  boat  moved  gracefully 
over  the  harbor's  smooth  surface,  and  conveyed  her 
precious  cargo  safely  alongside  the  clipper-brigantine. 
They  ascended  the  ladder  to  the  deck,  and,  after  formal 
salutations  with  the  captain  and  officers,  descended  to 
the  cabin. 

This  was  arranged  upon  the  old-fashioned  plan.  A 
pair  of  semi-winding  stairs,  balustered  with  rich  ma- 
hogany, and  covered  with  costly  Brussels  carpeting,  led 
from  deck  to  floor.  At  the  top  of  this  stairway  there 
was  a  doubled-door  companion-way,  covered  with  a  nice 
fitting  slide,  having  on  each  side  a  polished  telescope, 
resting  on  little  cleats,  and  at  the  bottom  lay  a  large 
colored  foot-mat. 

On  either  side  below  were  four  berths,  containing  neat 
and  tastily  made-up  beds,  in  front  of  which  hung  long 
damask  curtains,  suspended  by  large  wires  of  polished 
brass  above,  and  swept  a  floor  that  was  covered  like  the 
stairs  with  costly  carpeting. 

Around  the  transom  ran  a  counter  of  semi-circular 
form,  covered  with  fine  red  velvet,  which  served  as  seats 
or  lounges. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED. 


239 


Abaft  of  this  were  two  windows,  or  ports,  that  opened 
out  upon  the  sea,  b^ween  which  was  the  rudder- 
casing,  covered  with  highly  pohshed  veneering  on  the 
sides,  and  a  mirror  on  the  front.  On  either  side  of  the 
stairway  was  a  door,  the  long  panel  of  which  being 
covered  with  a  gilt-edged  mirror,  reflected  every  object 
in  the  little  cabin.  These  doors  opened  into  two  state- 
rooms, handsomely  fitted-up  and  furnished,  one  of  which 
was  occupied  by  Fellows,  when  on  board,  and  the  other 
by  Captain  Harvey. 

Beyond  the  berths,  in  either  room,  was  a  closet  con- 
taining a  chest  of  arms.  Muskets,  pistols,  swords,  cut- 
lasses, and  other  instruments  were  placed  in  racks,  and 
shone  as  bright  as  silver,  and  ammunition  in  abundance 
was  carefully  stowed  beneath. 

In  the  center  of  the  cabin  stood  a  table,  over  which 
hung  a  small  swinging  lamp,  which,  with  a  supply  of 
candles,  lighted  the  apartment. 

The  party,  consisting  of  Kate,  Mr.  Pederson,  Pel- 
lows,  and  Harvey,  seated  themselves  to  partake  of  the 
abundance  that  loaded  the  table.  A  servant  stood  at 
the  back  of  each  gentleman,  and  Rose  waited  upon  her 

mistress. 

Time  passed  pleasantly ;  it  could  hardly  be  otherwise 
where  all  things  were  so  nicely  arranged  to  make  them 
happy.  They  continued  at  the  table  eating  heartily 
and  drinking  the  best  of  wines,  now  a  glass  of  port, 
now  one  of  champagne,  and  the  time  passed  very  rap- 
idly away. 

It  was  winter,  and  by  four  o'clock  P.  M.,  at  that  sea- 
son of  the  year,  the  light  of  day  is  about  extinct  in 
England ;  but  the  lamp  being  lighted,  the  approach  of 
night  was  not  realized  by  either  party. 

At  length  Kate  spoke  to  her  father,  and  asked  the 
time  of  day. 


240  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  Four  o'clock,"  said  he,  glancing  at  his  watch,  which 
he  replaced  in  his  pocket,  and  drank  another  glass  of 
wine. 

"  Indeed ! "'  cried  Kate,  in  astonishment,  "  I  did  not 
wish  to  remain  so  long.     Come,  father,  let  us  go." 

"  I  had  no  idea  that  it  was  more  than  three,"  said 
Mr.  Pederson.  "  My  dear  Carey's  company  has  been 
so  agreeable,  and  his  entertainment  so  bountiful,  that  I 
was  unaware  of  the  rapidity  with  which  the  time  was 
passing." 

And  taking  a  glass  of  sparkling  champagne,  they 
were  waited  upon  to  the  deck,  in  a  poUte  manner,  by 
the  very  agreeable  and  obsequious  Fellows  and  Har- 
vey. 

"Where  are  we?"  exclaimed  Kate,  as  she  looked 
around. 

"  Sure  enough  ! "  joined  her  father,  as  he  could  see' 
nothing  but  water  in  any  direction,  and  as,  looking  aloft, 
he  noticed  all  sails  were  set. 

"  We  appear  to  be  sailing,"  said  Eose. 

"  Why  !  where  is  the  town,  Mr.  Carey  ?"  asked  Mr. 
Pederson,  becoming  uneasy  about  being  obliged  to  re- 
turn in  a  .boat  after  dark. 

"  We  cannot  see  it  now,"  answered  Fellows,  artfully, 
"  because  the  atmosphere  is  hazy." 

"  And  what  are  you  doing  ?  "  asked  the  old  gentle- 
man, emphatically;  "  why  is  your  vessel  under  way  ?" 

"  Sailing  about  the  harbor." 

"  I  wish  to  return  immediately,"  said  Kate,  "  and  it 
has  been  against  my  desire  to  remain  on  board  until 
dark." 

"  We'll  reach  town  presently,"  said  Fellows,  "  so 
please  walk  below,  for  the  atmosphere  is  getting  damp." 

"  AYe  prefer  to  remain  on  deck,"  said  Kate. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED. 


241 


The  vessel  moved  on  more  speedily  as  the  breeze  in- 
creased, and  her  sails  became  moistened  by  the  evening 
dew. 

Fellows'  guests,  or  rather  victims,  looked  eagerly  for 
the  town,  but  in  vain  ;  and  as  the  vessel  began  suddenly 
to  rise  and  scud,  Mr.  Pederson  gave  a  deep-drawn  sigh, 
for  his  experience  told  him  that  the  brigantine  was  at 
sea.  And  Kate  and  Eose  simultaneously  shrieked  in 
anguish,  for  they  then  knew^  that  they  had  been  treach- 
erously abducted. 


242 


CHAPTEE    XXVII. 

THE    CHASE. 

"Please  walk  below!"  said  the  villian,  in  a  tone  of 
authority,  "  for  I  cannot  allow  such  screaming  on  deck." 

"  From  this,"  said  Mr.  Pederson,  "  I  suppose  we  are 
prisoners  ! " 

"  You  are  !"  said  Fellows,  in  a  firm  voice. 

"  Will  none  of  you,"  said  Mr.  Pederson,  addressing 
Harvey  and  his  officers, . "  take  pity  on  us,  and  cause 
the  immediate  return  of  this  vessel  to  Plymouth  ? " 

"  We  cannot ! "  replied  the  ungrateful  Harvey,  who 
had  been  treated  with  all  manner  of  kindness  at  the  inn. 

"Please  go  below,"  said  Fellows  to  his  wretched 
prisoners,  "  or  I  shall  be  obliged  to  use  force." 

Mr.  Pederson  did  not  like  the  idea,  but  as  the  decks 
were  lined  on  either  side  with  armed  men,  ready  to  carry 
out  the  orders  of  their  wicked  commander,  he  saw  it 
would  be  useless  for  them  to  resist ;  and,  obeying  the 
cruel  command,  he  descended  to  the  cabin,  followed  by 
his  weeping  daughter  and  servant. 

Fellows  soon  descended,  and  having  ordered  his 
steward  and  attendants  to  withdraw,  and  close  the  door, 
himself  and  victims  were  left  in  private. 

He  requested  them  to  be  seated,  and  they  obeyed. 

"  I  have  been  forced  to  commit  this  act,"  said  Fel- 
lows, "  to  prevent  her  I  love  from  being  the  wife  of  Lieu- 
tenant Colborn.  My  intention  is  to  persuade  her  to  love 
and  marry  me.     I  have  tried  to  forget  her,  tried  to  ef- 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  243 

face  her  image  from  my  mind,  but  in  vain.  To  think 
she  was  about  to  be  possessed  by  another,  made  me 
wretched  by  day  and  night,  and  nearly  drove  me  mad. 
I  could  not  exist  without  her,  and,  under  those  feelings, 
I  was  obliged  to  save  myself  by  resorting  to  this  act  of 
abduction.  I  regret  it,  deplore  it ;  I  would  have  given 
my  fortune  to  have  won  her  in  an  honorable  manner,  but 
having  been  unable  to  accomplish  that,  I  have  adopted 
the  only  plan  which  I  thought  would  succeed. 

"  Now,  since  my  love  for  her  has  driven  me  to  such 
extremities,  I  think  it  better  to  submit  at  once,  by  com- 
plying w^ith  my  request.  AVe  are  herQ  alone,  and  in 
private ;  Mr.  Pederson  has  already  given  his  approval 
to  our  marriage,  and  if  his  daughter  will  be  a  dutiful 
child,  obey  her  worthy  father,  and  consent  to  have  me, 
we  can  be  at  once  united,  and  this  imprisonment  ended 
ere  it  scarcely  has  begun." 

"  Never !  never ! "  cried  Kate,  in  an  emphatic  man- 
ner ;  "  for  even  if  my  heart  and  hand  were  free,  they 
could  not  be  won  by  such  base  means  as  you  are  using. 
To  tell  a  girl  you  love  her  so  dearly  that  you  are  forced 
to  decoy  her  on  board  of  your  vessel,  and  there  cruelly 
imprison  her !  Do  you  think  any  sensible  person  will 
believe  such  stupid  logic ?     Does  love  beget  cruelty?" 

"  You  forget,"  answered  Fellows,  "  that  if  you  were 
to  have  remained  single  this  would  not  have  happened. 
It  was  the  idea  of  your  becoming  the  wife  of  another, 
that  drove  me  to  this  step.  I  am  young,  rich,  and  as 
to  personal  appearance,  I  leave  that  to  yourself,  whom 
I  allow  to  be  the  best  judge.  I  will  be  to  you  a  kind 
and  indulgent  husband ;  you  shall  not  want  for  any- 
thing wealth  can  obtain,  and  as  you  have  your  father's 
advice  and  wishes  to  accept  of  me,  I  am  sure  it  is 
your  duty  to  do  so.  Come,  dear  Kate,  obey  your  fa- 
ther's wishes,  and  consent  to  wed  me." 


244 


LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


"  Such  have  been  my  wishes,"  earnestly  said  Mr.  Pe- 
derson,  "  but  not  now  ;  not  after  this  villainous  conduct ! 
No,  sir !  I  retract  all  I  have  said  in  encouragement  of 
your  union  with  my  daughter.  I  took  you  to  be  an 
honorable  man.  I  took  to  you  more  than  to  any  man 
I  ever  knew  ;  and  for  this  cause  and  for  the  difference 
between  the  standing  of  my  family  and  that  of  Sir  Wil- 
liam Colborn's,  I  inclined  to  favor  you  rather  than  Lieut. 
Colborn.  But  now,  since  the  outrage  to  myself  and 
family,  since  I  have  found  to  my  sorrow  that  you  are 
nothing  less  than  a  villainous  wretch,  I  would  by  far 
rather  see  Kate  laid  in  the  cold  grave  than  led  by  you 
to  the  hjTJieneal  altar." 

"  And,"  cried  Kate,  "  if  my  father  had  still  seen  fit  to 
advise,  and  even  commanded  me,  to  give  my  fiand  to 
such  a  fiend  as  yourself,  do  you  think  that  I  would 
have  done  so  ?  Do  you  think  I  am  a  child,  and  have  no 
right  to  a  choice  myself  ?  You  speak  of  fine  looks  and 
wealth !  Fiend !  had  you  the  fine  person  of  a  King 
Xerxes,  or  the  attractions  of  Leicester ;  or  did  you  pos- 
sess the  wealth  of  the  Indies,  I  would  refuse  you  with 
the  greatest  scorn  !  " 

"  Gome,  sir,"  said  Mr.  Pederson,  "  you  see  you  can- 
not intimidate  us ;  and  I  expect,  yes,  command  you,  to 
return  immediately  to  Plymouth,  and  land  myself  and 
family  from  whence  you  abducted  us." 

"  You  can  be  conveyed  there  at  once,"  said  Pellows, 
addressing  Mr.  Pederson,  "  for  I  have  hired  a  faithful 
lugger  skipper,  who  follows  us,  for  that  very  purpose  ; 
but  your  daughter  will  remain  with  me.  I'll  also  detain 
Pose,  to  assist  me  in  changing  the  mind  of  the  obsti- 
nate lady," 

''  What !  you  would  not  be  so  cruel  as  to  separate  me 
from  my  daughter  ! " 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  245 

'*  You  would  not,  could  not,"  shrieked  Kate,  "  tear 
my  father  from  me  ! " 

"  Do  take  us  back  to  Plymouth,"  implored  Eose,  "  or 
anywhere  else  —  only  set  us  free  1  Do  not  forget  the 
many  acts  of  kindness  we  have  shown  you  at  the  inn." 

Fellow^s  was  somewhat  affected  by  this  language,  and 
having  remained  silent  for  some  time,  as  if  contending 
with  his  thoughts,  he  took  a  glass,  and  half-filling  it 
with  brandy,  drank  it,  as  if  to  drown  them. 

"  It  is  hard  to  separate  you,"  said  he,  "  but  it  must  be 
done  ;  so  prepare  for  the  event."  And  treading  from 
side  to  side,  as  if  to  hurry  over  the  disagreeable  act,  he 
impatiently  bade  Mr.  Pederson  depart.  The  old  man 
did  not  move  to  go. 

"  Mr.  Pederson,"  cried  Fellows,  in  a  determined  man- 
ner, "  you  must  leave  the  brigantine,  and  go  on  board 
of  the  lugger." 

"  I  cannot  go,"  sobbed  the  old  man,  now  entirely  dis- 
heartened, as  he  saw  by  the  villain's  determined  manner 
that  such  would  inevitably  be  his  fate.  "  I  cannot  leave 
her !  Oh !  I  was  sure  I  was  to  be  allowed  to  remain 
with  her!" 

"  You  cannot,"  harshly  answered  Pellows,  "  so  pre- 
pare to  go!" 

"  I  had  thought  you  bad,"  said  Mr.  Pederson,  in  a 
firmer  voice ;  "  but  not  so  vile^  not  so  great  a  demon  as 
you  are." 

Fellows  pulled  a  bell-rope,  and  almost  instantly  his 
steward  opened  the  door  above,  and  answered  to  the 
summons. 

"Call  Captain  Harvey!" 

"Ay!  ay!  sir!" 

"  Harvey !  call  the  watch  ! "  said  Fellows,  as  the  skip- 
per made  his  appearance. 


246  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

The  next  minute  six  armed  sailors  descended  the 
stairway,  while  others  were  filed  around  the  companion- 
way  above. 

"  Mr.  Pederson,"  said  Fellows,  authoritatively,  "  you 
must  go." 

"  Villain  !  fiend  ! "  shrieked  Kate,  raising  herself  to 
her  utmost  height,  and  advancing  towards  him,  appar- 
ently with  the  intention  of  seizing  him  by  the  throat ; 
but  Rose  caught  hold  of  her  mistress's  robe  and  held 
her  back. 

"  Your  daughter  shall  never  be  injured  by  me,"  said 
Fellows,  "  nor  by  any  one ;  I  have  too  much  love  for 
her  to  wish  to  injure  her ;  and  if  I  had  none  I  would 
not  allow  her  to  be  wronged,  owing  to  the  great  respect 
I  still  have  for  yourself,  and  the  gratitude  I  have  for 
the  unbounded  kindness  you  have  shown  me  at  your 
home.  But  you  must  go,  and  instantly,  too  ! "  And 
as  he  spoke,  he  motioned  the  sailors  to  advance. 

!Mr.  Pederson  started  from  his  seat  to  obey  the  cruel 
mandate,  as  he  now  saw  there  was  no  way  to  avoid 
it ;  and  as  he  cast  a  look  of  pity  on  his  daughter,  she 
grasped  him  by  the  arm,  and  shrieked,  "  Father !  do  not 
go  !  Never  leave  me  here  with  such  a  wretch  !  Oh  !  I 
shall  be  ruined  forever !  He  can  not  tear  you  from  me, 
for  these  sailors  would  refuse  to  enact  such  cruelty ;  they 
are  not  so  inhuman !  Stay !  for  he  has  no  power  to 
separate  us." 

Fellows  looked  at  his  men  confidently,  and  turning  to 
the  unhappy  party,  said,  "  I  do  not  censure  you  for  be- 
ing angry  with  me,  and  do  not  take  to  heart  what  at 
other  times,  and  under  difierent  circumstances,  I  would 
have  taken  as  insults." 

"  "We  care  not  whether  you  take  such  as  insults  or 
not ! "  cried  Kate.     "  Villain !  what  can  you  do  ?    Do 


OR  THE  DISINIIERITED.  247 

you  think  you  can  injure  us,  because  these  men  are 
armed,  and  paid  to  obey  your  orders  ?  If  you  do  think 
so,  you  are  very  much  mistaken ;  it  is  impossible  for 
those  sailors  to  be  so  hardened  in  iniquity  as  to  obey 
such  wicked  orders.  Do  not  think  that  because  you 
are  a  vagabond,  a  demon  in  human  form  yourself,  that 
those  men  are  of  the  same  nature  —  their  looks  disclose 
that  they  cannot  enact  such  cruelty." 

"  Men  !  step  forward ! "  commanded  Fellows. 

"  You  would  not  tear  my  father  from  me,  sailors ! 
would  you?"  appealed  Kate.  "No!  you  would  not, 
could  not  do  it." 

The  men,  thus  appealed  to,  hesitated  to  obey. 

''Mr.  Pederson!"  cried  the  villainous  Pellows,  "if 
you  do  not  leave  your  daughter  and  go  on  board  the 
lugger  immediately,  the  sailors  must  compel  you  to." 

Kate  clasped  her  arms  around  her  father's  neck,  and 
said,  imploringly,  "  Oh  !  stay  with  me;  do  not  leave  me, 
father,  in  this  villain's  power." 

"  Seize  him,  and  conduct  him  to  the  lugger ! "  said 
Fellows. 

"  Stay  or  go,"  cried  Kate,  "  I'll  do  the  same;  my  fa- 
ther shall  not  leave  me." 

"  Seize  him,  I  say  !"  cried  the  inhuman  commander, 
"  and  do  not  hsten  to  her  cries." 

The  sailors,  in  obedience  to  the  order,  stepped  for- 
ward, but  the  heart-rending  shrieks  of  the  unhappy 
Kate  so  completely  won  their  compassion  that  they  re- 
fused to  obey. 

"Why  do  you  not  seize  him?"  cried  Fellows,  in  a 
rage. 

"  I  can  not,"  said  one. 

"  I  will  not,"  said  another. 

"  I  was  sure  of  it,"  cried  Kate ;  "  accept  my  deepest 
gratitude,  kind  men ! " 


248  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  What ! "  exclaimed  Fellows,  "  refuse  to  obey  orders  ! 
Mutiny  on  the  high  seas !  Harvey !  here's  mutiny ! 
Go  on  deck,  you  mutinous  scoundrels  !  and  you  shall 
rue  this  disobedience." 

"  Come,  father,  let  us  go.  The  lugger  awaits  us,  and 
his  men  will  not  obey  him." 

"  Come ! "  cried  Rose,  "  he  has  no  power  to  keep  us 
here."     And  they  moved  to  go. 

"  You  can  not  go,"  said  Fellows,  and  he  seized  Kate 
by  the  arm. 

"Unhand  me,  fiend!"  cried  Kate,  as  she  extricated 
herself  from  his  grasp ;  "  your  touch  is  contaminating.'' 

"  Harvey !  more  sailors  !"  and  the  next  instant  that 
wretch  and  half  a  dozen  other  men  descended  the  stair- 
way to  the  cabin,  and  seized  hold  of  Mr.  Pederson, 
while  Fellows  renewed  his  hold  on  Kate. 

"  Captain  Harvey  !"  exclaimed  the  old  man,  "  I  did 
not  expect  such  treatment  at  your  hands,  no  matter 
what  I  might  have  expected  from  these  unfeehng  sail- 
ors. You  have  sat  at  my  board  in  friendship ;  you  have 
ever  been  treated  kindly  by  me,  and  yet  you  are  assist- 
ing to  do  me  the  greatest  of  injuries." 

Harvey  instantly  stood  aloof  from  the  affair,  and  con- 
cluded he  would  assist  no  more. 

The  sailors,  however,  who  had  never  before  seen  Kate, 
and  were  the  most  hardened  pirates  amongst  the  crew, 
continued  to  drag  Mr.  Pederson  from  his  daughter. 

"  Oh  !  that  I  w^ere  a  man,  to  hurl  these  villains  from 
my  father,"  said  Kate.  "  Have  you  not  fathers  ?  sis- 
ters ?  wives  ?  Would  you  see  them  stolen  from  their 
homes,  imprisoned,  torn  asunder,  and  treated  worse 
than  slaves  ?  Hose,  help  me  !  I,  that  am  but  a  weak 
girl,  a  defenseless  female,  will  defend  my  father  and  my 
honor  to^the  last."     And  exerting  herself  with  mighty 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  249 

efforts  to  oppose  the  superior  strength  of  powerful  men, 
her  strength  gave  out,  and  she  fell  fainting  to  the  floor. 

Mr.  Pederson  was  now  dragged  upon  deck  and  to  the 
gangway,  while  Eose,  frightened  and  screaming  piteous- 
ly,  leaned  over  the  motionless  person  of  her  mistress, 
fearing  her  life  had  become  extinct. 

As  the  inhuman  wretches  forced  the  heart-broken 
father  over  the  side  of  the  vessel  into  the  lugger,  he 
implored,  as  the  only  boon  within  the  reach  of  hope, 
that  his  daughter  might  in  no  way  be  injured. 

"  She  shall  not,"  said  the  demon  Fellows ;  and  as  the 
lugger  moved  away,  he  cried  to  her  skipper  to  convey 
that  gentleman  in  safety  to  Plymouth. 

"  I'll  do  so,"  was  the  reply,  and  soon  the  lugger  dis- 
appeared in  the  dark. 

Pellows  returned  to  the  cabin,  and  opening  his  room 
door,  said,  "  There  is  your  room,  ladies,"  and,  laying 
the  key  on  the  table,  he  ascended  to  the  deck,  leaving 
Kate  —  who  had  just  recovered  from  her  fainting  fit  — 
seated  on  the  transom,  shrieking  as  if  her  heart  would 
break,  and  Rose  standing  by  her  side,  as  if  in  readiness 
to  defend  her  mistress,  and  also  weeping  bitterly. 

When  the  unfortunate  girls  had  mourned  until  ex- 
hausted nature  gave  way,  they  entered  the  state-room, 
locked  the  door,  and  laid  down  in  the  berths.  But  no 
sleep  came  to  relieve  them  of  their  misery.  Not  even 
discouraging  sea-sickness  could  alleviate  the  pain  of 
their  lacerated  hearts. 

As  time  progressed,  that  surest  balm  to  the  troubled 
mind,  they  become  more  calm,  and  accepted  of  some 
nutritious  food  and  coffee. 

"  Think  the  villain  will  venture  to  enter  this  room,  by 
bursting  open  the  door?"  asked  Kate. 
12 


250  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  He  will  do  anything  his  wicked  heart  suggests," 
answered  Rose. 

"  What  stupidity,  to  think  he  can  force  me  to  become 
his  wife !     The  wicked  wretch  !" 

"  "What  have  you  heard  him  say,"  asked  Kate,  "  from 
first  to  last,  concerning  me  ? " 

"  Nothing  against  you ;  but  on  the  contrary  he  al- 
ways spoke  in  your  favor.  And  that,  loving  you,  he 
could  not  bear  to  think  that  he  could  not  win  you." 

"  You  do  not  think  he  means  to  harm  me,  then  ?" 

"  He  could  do  anything,  no  matter  how  wicked,"  an- 
swered Eose,  "  after  stealing  us  from  our  home  —  and 
think  it  trifling." 

"  I  should  like,"  said  Kate,  "  to  be  able  to  defend  my- 
self against  any  intrusion.  Here  are  arms  in  this  closet, 
let  us  examine  them.  How  fortunate !  here  is  a  splen- 
did pair  of  pistols,  and  they  are  loaded.  You  take  one, 
Rose,  and  I  will  the  other,  and  with  them  we  will  de- 
fend ourselves  to  the  last." 

####### 

"  Sail,  ho  ! "  cried  the  look-out  aloft ;  and  in  a  short 
time  the  stranger  became  visible  from  the  deck. 

"What  is  she?"  asked  Fellows,  anxiously. 

The  captain  laid  down  his  telescope,  and  with  a  look 
of  regret,  said,  "  I  think  she  is  a  French  man-of-war." 

"A  French  man-of-war  !"  exclaimed  Fellows,  "  this 
is  unfortunate,  in  war  time.     What  shall  we  do  ?" 

"  Run  for  escape,"  answered  Harvey. 

"  I  hope  she  will  not  prove  so  fast  a  sailer  as  did  the 
English  frigate!" 

"  I  hope  not,"  said  the  captain. 

All  sail  was  made  upon  the  brigantine,  and  she  bore 
away  toward  England  in  an  opposite  direction  from 
the  stranger. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  251 

"  Never  more  boast  of  the  sailing  qualities  of  this 
accursed  slow  coach,"  said  Fellows,  as  it  became  evi- 
dent that  the  stranger  was  gaining  on  them. 

"  I  think  the  Nancy  is  the  fastest  craft  in  the  chan- 
nel,"  said  the  captain. 

"  So  fast,"  said  Fellows,  with  a  sneer,  "  that  she  near- 
ly lost  my  life  in  the  last  chase,  and  now  puts  it  in 
jeopardy." 

The  booming  of  a  chase-gun  filled  the  breast  of  Fel- 
lows with  still  greater  anxiety ;  but  with  the  prisoners 
it  was  the  occasion  of  curiosity  and  hope. 

"  Oh  !  the  misfortune  of  being  on  board  such  a  creep- 
ing snail,"  said  Fellows.  "  It  is  a  pity  she  would  not 
sink  at  once," 

"  There  is  no  doubt,  in  my  mind,  but  that  such  will 
be  the  case,  sir,"  said  the  mate,  as  a  shot  passed  over 
the  quarter. 

Harvey  watched  the  little  craft's  every  motion,  and 
taking  the  helm  himself,  steered  her  with  his  usual  calm- 
ness in  times  of  danger ;  but  remarked  to  Fellows  that 
he  had  not  wished  to  approach  the  coast  of  France  so 
near  in  time  of  war. 

"  I  considered  it  safer  to  be  here  than  near  to  Eng- 
land," said  Fellows,  "  as  I  feared  that  armed  vessels 
would  be  sent  after  us  by  the  admiralty." 

"  Well,"  observed  Harvey,  "  you  see  how  safe  it  is  on 
this  coast,"  as  a  cannon  ball  skipped  over  the  water  past 
the  brigantine. 

All  was  now  confusion  on  board  the  little  vessel,  and 
the  officers  and  crew  seemed  to  be  of  opinion  that  a 
surrender  would  be  better  than  to  be  blown  in  pieces 
by  the  batteries  of  the  ship-of-war. 

Kate  and  Rose  had  been  informed  of  the  condition 
of  things  by  the  steward,  and  prayed  sincerely  to  their 


252  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

Maker  that  the  Nancy  might  be  taken,  not  doubting 
that  the  Frenchmen,  although  England's  foes,  would 
treat  them  far  better  than  would  pirates. 

The  next  shot  cut  away  the  main  shrouds,  but  still 
the  little  craft  sailed  on,  although  her  pursuer  was  fast 
gaining,  and  would  no  doubt  shortly  fire  a  broadside 
upon  her  decks  and  sink  her. 

At  this  critical  moment,  the  horizon  become  obscured 
by  a  thick  mist,  and  soon  a  fog  enshrouded  the  two  ves- 
sels, so  that  neither  could  be  seen  by  the  other. 

"  Now  we'll  haul  her  up,"  said  Harvey ;  and  bracing 
up  the  yards,  hauling  aft  her  fore  and  aft  sheets,  the 
brigantine  listed  by  the  force  of  the  wind  upon  her  beam, 
and  leaped  ahead  on  a  course  at  right  angles  with  that 
lately  followed. 

Soon  the  ship  passed  by,  still  firing  chase-guns  as  be- 
fore, but  without  effect,  for  the  Nancy  had  gone  aside. 
Pellows  and  Harvey  looked  anxiously  in  the  direction 
from  whence  came  the  sound  of  cannon,  fearing  they 
might  yet  be  discovered ;  but  no,  the  fog  was  too  dense, 
and  it  had  set  in  for  the  remainder  of  the  day.  The 
Nancy  was  safe;  all  on  board,  excepting  tivo^  were 
made  happy  —  and  she  sailed  away  for  the  English 
coast. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED. 


253 


CHAPTER    XXVIII. 

THE    REMOVAL. 

Mr.  Pederson  was  conveyed  safely  back  to  Plymouth 
in  the  lugger.  On  arriving  he  immediately  made  known 
to  the  authorities  and  his  friends  the  treacherous  con- 
duct of  Carey,  and  soon  the  town  was  aroused  to  a  tre- 
mendous pitch  of  excitement.  An  armed  vessel  was 
sent  in  pursuit  of  the  brigantine. 

His  house  appeared  to  him  as  a  deserted  dwelling, 
for  his  idol  daughter  was  gone.  Even  the  presence  of 
Rose,  who  had  been  in  the  family  so  long,  would  have 
been  a  great  consolation  to  him ;  but  she,  alas !  had 
been  also  stolen.  He  ascended  to  the  parlor,  then  en- 
tered the  sitting-room,  the  dining-room,  and  then  the 
kitchen  ;  but  their  former  occupants  had  all  gone. 

On  being  asked  by  a  friend  concerning  the  affair,  he 
could  not  find  words  to  reply  —  and  sank  into  a  chair 
and  wept. 

Neighbors  called,  customers  made  inquiries,  and  it 
was  soon  known  far  and  near  that  the  pretty  Kate  and 
her  maid  Rose  had  been  abducted.  The  neighbors 
sympathized  with  Mr.  Pederson,  and  took  a  lively  in- 
terest in  his  efforts  to  reclaim  the  lost  ones. 

Yet  he  would  not  be  comforted,  and  as  his  friends 
were  of  opinion  that  the  sight  of  the  inn,  its  rooms, 
furniture,  and  familiar  objects  aggravated  his  anguish, 
they  advised  him,  for  the  present,  to  abandon  his 
business,  well   knowing  that  he  had  accumulated   a 


254 


LIEUTENANT  COLBOEN, 


considerable  amount,  and  therefore  could  afford  to. 
They  at  length  prevailed  on  him  to  be  more  composed, 
and  also  to  reside  with  a  friend  in  the  outskirts  of  the 
town. 

Colborn  read  the  sad  letter  that  informed  him  of  the 
abduction,  but,  with  the  exception  of  his  pale  features, 
no  outward  show  of  anguish  was  displayed.  His  was 
a  temperament  that  was  not  easily  excited  to  passionate 
emotions,  either  of  joy  or  sadness;  yet  when  aroused, 
he  felt  all  the  more  deeply.  He  reported  the  abduction 
of  Mr.  Pederson's  family  to  the  admiralty,  and  made  it 
his  business  to  make  every  effort  to  find  her  whom  the 
villain  had  snatched  from  him  when  she  was  about  to 
make  him  happy. 

As  Mr.  Pederson  continued  still  to  brood  over  the 
absence  of  his  daughter,  his  friends  feared  his  health 
would  suffer,  and  advised  him  to  go  from  Plymouth  on 
a  tour  through  the  country  for  a  change.  There  were 
no  longer  any  attractions  left,  either  at  the  inn  or  in  the 
town,  for  him,  and  he  resolved  to  go  to  London.  He 
started  on  a  cloudy,  dismal  day,  which  well  compared 
with  his  thoughts.  He  traveled  on  the  old  interior  stage 
route,  but  notwithstanding  the  change  of  scenery,  his 
daughter  was  constantly  uppermost  in  his  thoughts. 
He  knew  she  must  be  perfectly  miserable ;  he  lost  all 
hope  of  ever  seeing  her  again  ;  and  above  all,  he  grieved 
to  think  she  must  be  the  prey  to  that  wicked  man,  that 
she  was  at  the  mercy  of  such  a  consummate  villain. 

After  three  days'  traveling  over  bad  roads  and  in 
crowded  stages,  he,  being  in  need  of  a  day's  rest, 
stopped  at  the  village  of  Esk,  in  the  vicinity  of  his 
birthplace. 

After  entering  an  inn  he  was  conducted  to  a  room, 
where  he  partook  of  a  good  repast,  and  being  much 
fatigued,  retired,  and  soon  fell  into  a  sound  sleep,  it  be- 
ing the  first  since  the  abduction  of  his  child. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  255 

In  the  morning,  while  conversing  with  the  landlord, 
he  found  him  to  be  an  old  school-mate  of  his ;  and  by 
further  conversation,  he  learned  to  his  delight  that  others 
he  had  been  familiar  with  in  youth,  still  lived  at  the 
village. 

The  report  having  spread  that  Mr.  George  Pederson, 
after  an  absence  of  many  years,  had  returned  on  a  visit 
to  his  native  village,  several  old  acquaintances  called  to 
see  him,  and  invited  him  to  their  houses. 

It  must  have  seemed  very  strange  to  him,  after  hav- 
ing been  away  for  so  long  a  time,  to  return  and  witness 
the  many  changes  that  had  taken  place  in  the  thriving 
village. 

He,  having  accepted  invitations  from  his  early  com- 
panions, visited  their  houses,  conversed  with  them  upon 
occurrences  that  had  taken  place  far  back,  and  which 
seemed  to  him  like  dreams.  His  mind  became  inter- 
ested, and  he  regained  in  a  measure  his  accustomed 
cheerfulness. 

He  remained  a  week  with  them,  during  which  time 
they  did  all  in  their  power  to  make  him  happy ;  sympa- 
thized with  him  in  his  troubles,  and  urged  him  to  remain 
longer  with  them.  He  bade  them  adieu,  and  entering 
the  stage,  left  the  village,  casting  a  look  of  regret  behind 
as  it  disappeared  from  view. 

As  the  vehicle  moved  on,  his  former  gloomy  feelings 
returned,  and  the  image  of  his  child  often  appeared 
to  his  mind,  making  him  again  unhappy. 

At  Epsom  he  again  stopped,  but  the  same  gloomy 
feelings  remained  with  him.  One  day  was  sufficient 
to  prove  that  he  should  receive  no  benefit  there  ;  so  he 
proceeded  on  his  journey  until  Greenwich  was  reached, 
when,  crossing  the  river,  he  entered  the  great  city  for 
the  first  time  for  many  years. 


256 

•■'  Now,"  he  soliloquized,  "  I'll  become  my  former  self, 
for  Iq  London  there  are  so  many  things  to  interest  one 
that  he  must  naturally  forget,  at  least  partially,  other 
matters  which  would  be  unpleasant  in  his  mind." 

Here  is  a  numerous  population,  with  hundreds  of 
carriages  moving  through  the  streets,  and  the  noise  is 
almost  deafening.  The  great  blocks  of  buildings  on 
either  side  of  the  crowded  streets ;  the  steeples,  monu- 
ments, bridges,  and  parks  are  constantly  presenting 
some  new  aspect,  and  with  hundreds  of  attractions  of 
more  or  less  importance,  to  allure  the  stranger  on. 

He  penetrated  as  soon  as  possible  to  the  center  of 
the  metropolis,  and  to  the  street  where  he  had  formerly 
resided.  He  stopped  at  the  door  of  the  house  he  had 
once  occupied,  and  rang  the  bell ;  but  a  stranger  looked 
at  him  in  vain  for  recognition.  He  called  at  another, 
and  yet  another  house,  where  he  had  formerly  known 
friends,  or  at  least  acquaintances,  but  none  could  be 
found.  He  sought  yet  another  street,  and  wandered 
along  until  he  reached  the  residence  of  another  old 
acquaintance,  but  all  in  vain,  for  none  but  strangers 
were  there.  All  had  changed  residences  in  this  world, 
or  gone  to  the  next.  The  old  man  sought  for  informa- 
tion of  his  daughter,  bat  findmg  none,  he  sank  into  his 
former  state  of  unhappiness.  London,  with  all  its  ten 
thousand  changing  scenes,  could  not  give  him  that  con- 
tentment of  mind  that  the  village  of  Esk  had  afforded 
him,  and  he  resolved  to  return  to  the  latter  place  at 
once. 

He  hurried  from  London,  and  in  due  time  arrived  in 
sight  of  his  pleasant  birth-place  ;  and  as  its  hills  became 
distinctly  visible,  a  cheerful  expression  came  over  his 
features,  unknown  to  them  since  his  departure  from  the 
village. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  257 

The  stage  halted  at  the  inn,  and,  as  the  landlord 
shook  him  heartily  by  the  hand,  he  observed,  pleasantly, 
that  that  was  the  first  friendly  shake  of  the  hand  he  had 
had  since  leaving.  He  soon  again  became  as  cheerful  as 
when  he  tarried  at  the  place  before ;  and  experiencing 
many  acts  of  kindness  from  his  old  friends,  he  resolved 
to  remain  there  instead  of  returning  to  Plymouth. 


12* 


258  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


CHAPTER    XXIX. 

THE    UNINTENTIONAL    CONQUESTS. 

As  the  Earl  of  Surrey's  carnage  drove  over  the  frozen 
ground,  conveying  his  family  home  after  the  party  at 
Mount  Prospect,  the  thoughts  of  his  daughter  Arabella 
were  upon  the  fine-looking,  intellectual,  and  noble  Wil- 
liam Colborn.  And  when  she  awoke  from  her  peaceful 
slumbers  late  on  the  following  morning,  her  mind  again 
reverted  to  him,  and  to  the  pleasant  dreams  that  had 
attended  her  sleep,  and  even  made  her  the  wife  of  him 
who  had  unconsciously  won  her  young  heart's  dearest 
affections. 

But  days  and  weeks  passed,  and  no  circumstance 
transpired  to  bring  about  a  meeting  with  the  object  of 
her  love.  Her  thoughts  were  constantly  upon  him,  and 
often  would  her  heart  leap  for  joy  at  the  announcement 
of  some  gentleman  caller  whose  step  or  voice  she  fan- 
cied resembled  his. 

"When,  at  length,  invitation  cards  to  attend  a  party  at 
the  residence  of  Admiral  Holbroke  reached  the  Surrey 
mansion,  Arabella  was  delighted ;  not,  however,  so 
much  with  anticipations  of  the  gay  scenes  of  a  ball- 
room, for  those  were  common  to  her,  but  she  strongly 
surmised  that  as  Mr.  Colborn  was  an  ofiicer  in  the 
navy,  and  as  Admiral  Holbroke  was  an  intimate  friend 
of  Sir  William's,  that  the  Colborns  would  be  there,  and 
she  would  therefore  be  most  likely  to  meet  her  heart's 
idol.     Her  fond  hope  proved  correct. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  259 

The  palace-like  drawing-room  of  the  mansion  of  Ad- 
miral Holbroke,  at  the  "■  West  End,"  began  to  fill  with 
gay  guests,  and  presently  among  them  appeared  Wil- 
liam, attired  in  the  full-dress  uniform  of  the  navy. 

Arabella  cast  a  furtive  look  of  innocent  affection  upon 
his  handsome  features  and  noble  figure,  and  as  she 
marked  his  grace  of  deportment,  and  listened  to  his 
musical  voice,  the  impression  he  had  made  upon  her 
heart  was,  if  possible,  deepened. 

Lieutenant  Colborn  had  not  made  his  appearance  in 
that  gay  circle  for  enjoyment;  no,  his  mind  was  too 
much  engrossed  in  the  loss  of  his  betrothed  wife,  but 
the  admiral  had  specially  requested  his  presence,  and  as 
that  personage  had  exerted  himself  in  sending  out  cruis- 
ers to  search  for  the  pirate  brigantine,  and  had  always 
been  his  friend,  William  felt  it  his  duty  to  be  at  the 
party. 

Arabella  was  not  the  only  lady  present  whose  heart 
William  had  unwittingly  made  conquest  of.  Ellen 
Lester  was  present.  She  sat  in  the  center  of  a  gay 
circle,  and  as  he  advanced,  mentally  said,  ''  There  is  that 
fine  Colborn,  who  has  created  an  interest  in  my  heart, 
when  a  dozen  others  have  tried  and  failed.  What  a  step 
he  has  !  What  an  air  !  I  declare  I  will  tax  my  pow- 
ers of  fascination  to  their  utmost  this  night  to  interest 
him.  My  lady,  Arabella  Surrey,  appears  to  have  at- 
tracted his  attention,  and  I  see  she  fancies  him,  and  there 
are  others  here  who  would  be  dangerous  rivals ;  but 
mine  he  must  be.  It  is  astonishing  that  he  has  not  ac- 
knowledged my  supremacy ;  never  before  did  any  man 
prove  so  obdurate  !  I  must  win  him  to-night,  or  some 
other  fair  one  wnll ! " 

Presently  the  eye  of  the  lieutenant  caught  a  sight  of 
her  commanding  figure,  and  approaching,  he  extended 
his  hand,  and  smilingly  alluded  to  their  last  meeting. 


260  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

She  cast  upon  him  a  penetrating  glance  —  a  glance 
expressive  of  commingled  pleasure  and  anxiety  to  please, 
that  would  have  penetrated  the  heart  of  almost  any 
other  man,  but  it  feel  upon  his  calm  features  like  rain 
upon  the  surface  of  a  marble  statue  !  In  vain  did  she 
bring  all  her  brilliant  talent  of  wit  and  repartee  to  bear 
upon  him  —  in  vain  did  she  contrive  to  have  her  furtive 
glances  of  admiration  at  his  classic  features  perceived 
by  him  —  in  vain  did  she  train  out  all  the  arts  so  well 
known  to  a  coquette  —  though  outwardly  he  acknowl- 
edged her  attractive  person  —  his  heart  remained  un- 
touched ! 

Colborn,  having  conversed  suflSciently  with  her  for 
the  demands  of  politeness,  left  her,  after  having  prom- 
ised to  return,  as  she  had  artfully  told  him  that  she  had 
an  important  secret  to  disclose  to  him,  just  as  he  had 
arisen  from  his  seat  to  go. 

He  walked  up  the  room,  and  his  eyes  met  the  modest 
glance  of  the  faultless  Arabella.  She  had  been  far 
from  happy  while  William  sat  by  the  side  of  Ellen ;  for 
jealousy  will  sometimes  take  possession  of  the  noblest 
natures,  in  spite  of  the  most  resolute  exertions  to  repel 
it.  He  gracefully  accosted  her,  and  as  a  slight  crimson 
suffused  her  pretty  face,  reminding  him  of  his  absent 
Kate,  a  shadow  passed  over  his  countenance.  She  no- 
ticed this,  and  that  he  was  not  cheerful,  and  a  corres- 
ponding expression  spread  over  her  features.  She 
feared  that  another  would  obtain  him,  but  could  not, 
like  Ellen,  tell  him  so  by  bold  manners  —  yet  her  mod- 
est eyes  inadvertently  expressed  what  she  was  otherwise 
careful  to  conceal. 

But  WiUiam's  mild  and  reserved  manner  told  her 
plainly  that  she  had  not  excited  love  in  his  heart.  But 
if  he  did  notlovo,he  could  not  but  admire  the  excellent 
girl  before  him ;  and,   as  she  read  his  mind,  a  tear  glis- 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  261 

tened  on  her  cheek,  and  fearing  it  might  be  noticed  if 
she  removed  it  with  her  kerchief,  she  dared  not  raise 
the  embroidered  cambric  to  her  face.  WiUiam  pressed 
her  hand,  and  as  he  walked  away  she  felt  her  heart 
sinking,  and  another  tear  followed  the  one  already  on 
her  cheek  —  and  yet  another  as  his  form  receded,  for 
she  well  knew  that  some  other  would  possess  him,  and 
that  sJie  could  never  be  his  wife.  For  the  remainder  of 
the  evening  she  continued  to  be  unhappy,  although  gay 
scenes  surrounded  her,  and  when  she  reached  her  home, 
and  for  years  afterwards,  she  regretted  that  cruel  fate 
had  not  sanctioned  her  heart's  choice,  and  made  her  the 
bride  of  William  Colborn. 

He  was  about  lo  leave  the  ball,  although  he  had  not 
participated  in  any  dance,  when,  to  his  surprise,  his  eyes 
fell  full  upon  his  father,  mother,  and  sister. 

Melissa  liurried  to  her  brother,  and  grasped  his  hand ; 
Mrs.  Colborn  remained  at  a  distance,  and  the  general 
walked  away,  and  disappeared  among  the  mass  of  gay 
pleasure-seekers. 

William  wished  to  advance  and  speak  to  his  mother, 
but,  as  he  met  her  cold  and  haughty  look,  he  hesitated 
to  do  so. 

"William,  have  you  seen  Arabella  this  evening?" 
asked  Mehssa. 

"  I  have,"  he  replied,  "  have  just  left  her." 

Mrs.  Colborn  advanced  a  step  towards  him  as  she 
heard  his  answer. 

"  She  is  lovely,  is  she  not?"  asked  Melissa,  looking 
into  his  eyes,  as  if  to  catch  an  answer  from  them  ere  he 
spoke,  and  hoping  Arabella  might  yet  have  a  claim  on 
his  -thouofhts  —  knowing  she  loved  him. 

"  She  is,"  calmly  answered  William  ;  and,  as  he  no- 
ticed the  eyes  of  his  mother  become  more  pleasant,  he 


262  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

advanced  towards  her  another  step,  saying,  "and  I 
really  like  her." 

Mrs.  Colborn,  on  hearing  this,  immediately  grasped 
him  by  the  hand. 

"  I  am  happy  to  meet  you,  my  son,  as  I  notice  that 
you  have  repented  of  your  errors,  and  will  now  proba- 
bly return  to  your  home  a  reformed  young  man." 

William  shook  his  mother's  hand  affectionately,  and 
a  tear  stole  down  his  cheek,  in  spite  of  his  manly  efforts 
to  prevent  it. 

"  Of  course,  Willie  is  going  home  with  us,"  said  Me- 
lissa, clasping  her  brother's  arm  more  closely. 

"  Yes,"  said  Mrs.  Colborn,  pleasantly,  "  and  I  am  ex- 
tremely happy  that  he  has  given  up  his  low-born  asso- 
ciates." 

William  sighed,  for  his  mother's  speech  reminded  him 
that  he  had  indeed  been  separated  from  the  only  one 
who  could  make  him  happy;  still,  he  had  not  relin- 
quished all  hope  of  her  being  restored  to  him. 

"And  if  I  have  not  done  so?"  asked  William. 

Mrs.  Colborn  let  go  his  hand,  and  gravely  asked, 
"Have  you  not  ?" 

"  I  have  not,"  independently  answered  William,  "  but 
still  maintain  the  same  principles  upon  this  subject  as 
when  we  parted.  I  have  the  same  devotion  for  my  be- 
trothed wife  as  ever." 

As  he  finished  speaking,  the  eyes  of  Mrs.  Colborn 
resumed  their  stern,  cold  expression,  and  lifting  her 
hand  she  waved  him  from  her,  saying,  "  Then  you  can 
never  enter  our  house ; "  and  she  turned  apparently  un- 
feelingly from  him. 

William  pressed  his  sister's  hand,  and  walked  away 
dejectedly.  He  determined  to  leave  the  ball  at  once, 
aud  seek  ia  solitude  that  alleviation  to  his  troubles  that 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  263 

public  gaiety  would  not  give.  He  was  about  to  bid 
adieu  to  the  adrairars  family,  when  his  promise  to  Ellen 
flashed  across  his  mind,  and  he  hastened  towards  her. 

With  smiles  and  charms  she  received  him,  glad  of 
the  opportunity  of  conversing  again  with  him  she  loved. 

"  I  have  come,"  said  he,  "  according  to  promise,  to 
receive  from  your  lips  that  important  secret." 

"  Then  I  am  indebted  to  the  secret  for  your  company," 
said  Ellen,  "  rather  than  to  the  pleasure  of  my  society." 

"  I  frankly  acknowledge  that  I  have  come  to  obtain 
the  secret,  and  also  to  bid  you  good  evening,  as  I  am 
about  to  go." 

"  I  regret,"  said  Ellen,  "  that  you  are  to  leave  so  early. 
Can  3^ou  not  remain  longer  ? " 

"  I  do  not  feel  well  enough  to  remain  Aere,"  he  an- 
swered, but  did  not  enlighten  her  as  to  what  was  the 
cause  of  his  illness. 

"I  regret  that,"  she  said,  in  a  feeling  manner,  "and 
must  reserve  the  secret  until  we  meet  again." 

"  Indeed ! "  said  William,  "  I  had  hoped  I  was  to  hear 
it  now  ;  you  have  excited  my  curiosity." 

"  Well,  then,"  said  the  artful  girl,  "  call  upon  me  to- 
morrow, and  I  will  disclose  it  to  you." 

"  I  really  hardly  think  I  can,"  answered  William,  not 
wishing  to  flatly  decline  an  invitation  he  by  no  means 
wished  to  accept. 

"  Then  I  cannot  disclose  to  you  the  secret,"  said  she, 
with  a  smile. 

Wilham's  curiosity  being  aroused,  and  thinking  as 
their  two  families  were  intimate,  that  the  secret  might 
relate  to  circumstances  connected  with  himself,  he  was 
strongly  tempted  to  accept  of  her  invitation,  in  oi-der  to 
hear  the  secret. 

"  Surely,  you  cannot  refuse  to  call,  and  learn  what 


264  LIEUTENANT  COL  BORN, 

may  interest  yourself!"  said  Ellen,  as  she  cast  upon  him 
a  wishful  look. 

'•  I  promise  to  do  so,"  he  said,  with  a  respectful 
bow;  and  bidding  her  good  evening,  he  left  her  and 
the  ball. 

On  the  following  day,  he  drove  to  the  mansion  of  Sir 
James  Lester.  On  arriving,  he  was  shown  into  the 
drawinor-room,  and  it  must  be  acknowledged  that  he 
could  not  but  admire  the  beauty  of  Ellen,  as  she  arose  to 
receive  him.  Her  fine  figure,  her  tapering  waist,  set  off 
to  advantage  by  her  broad  shoulders,  full  bust,  and  the 
expansive  folds  of  her  cloud-like  robe;  her  symmetrical 
features,  dark,  penetrating  e3'es,  coal-black  hair,  and 
queen-like  gait  fully  entitled  her  to  be  termed  a  belle. 
She  w^as  never  more  agreeable  than  upon  this  occasion, 
never  so  much  pleased  in  any  man's  society  as  in  his. 
Indeed,  he  must  have  been  dull  of  comprehension,  not 
to  have  seen  that  she  was  very  much  enamored  of  him. 

'*  You  have  been  faithful  to  your  promise,"  said  Ellen. 

"Did  you  doubt  my  w^ord  ?" 

"I  did  not,  but  feared  as  your  ill-health  forced  you 
from  me  last  night,  that  it  might  keep  you  from  me  to- 
day ;  and  particularly  as  you  are  not  so  anxious  to  be 
in  my  society,  as  another  is  to  be  in  yours." 

William  sighed  as  he  thought  there  was  indeed  an- 
other who  doubtless  was  anxious  to  be  with  him.  But 
would  that  other  have  been  pleased  to  see  him  where  he 
was  ? 

At  first  sight,  Kate  would  no  doubt  have  trembled 
violently  with  jealousy,  to  witness  him  seated  alone  with 
Ellen,  and  she  would  very  naturally  have  asked  herself, 
"  What  does  he  here  ?  How  came  he  here?  AVhy 
should  he  call  on  her?  Why  is  he  alone  with  7zd?;- ?" 
But  could  she  at  the  same  time  have  seen  hispure  and 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  265 

faithful  heart,  that  throbbed  only  for  love  of  herself,  she 
would  have  been  pleased. 

"  And  whom,  may  I  ask,"  said  "Wilhara, ''  do  you  mean 
by  another  ?  " 

"  Her  before  you,"  answered  Ellen,  without  blushing. 

"  You  compliment  me  too  highly,"  said  he.  "  But 
the  secret !     I  am  now  entitled  to  the  promised  secret." 

"  The  secret,"  said  she,  "  is  of  so  much  consequence 
to  me,  that  1  hardly  dare  disclose  it,  after  all." 

"  I  had  hoped,"  said  William,  "  that  it  contained  in- 
formation relating  to  something  that  weighs  heavily 
upon  ray  mind." 

"  Well,  so  it  does,"  said  Ellen,  with  a  smile. 

"Oh,  what  is  it,  then?" 

She  arose  from  her  seat  on  the  sofa,  advanced  towards 
him,  and  throwing  her  arms  about  him,  said,  "  This  is 
the  secret.     /  love  you^ 

William,  perfectly  astonished,  stood  for  a. minute  like 
a  statue,  gazing  upon  her. 

"  I  regret,"  at  length  he  said,  ''  that  I  should  be  the 
cause  of  disappointment  or  unhappiness  to  you ;  such 
has  not  been  my  intention,  I  assure  you,  but  I  cannot 
return  your  love,  as  another  already  has  my  heart." 

I  will  not  attempt  to  portray  the  scene  that  followed, 
and  will  only  say  that  William  remained  but  a  short 
time  longer,  when  he  departed,  extremely  chagrined  that 
he  had  been  the  unwitting  cause  of  the  contre  temps. 


266  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


CHAPTER    XXX. 

THE  DISCLOSURE. 

The  thread  of  our  tale  obhges  us  again  to  refer  to 
the  brigantine,  on  board  of  which  Kate  was  a  prisoner. 

"  Harvey,"  said  Fellows,  "  as  we  have  now  so  mi- 
raculously escaped  from  that  French  man-of-war,  and 
are  again  on  the  Enghsh  coast,  I  wish  you  to  change 
the  name,  rig,  and  color  of  this  accursed  vessel,  as  soon 
as  possible." 

The  Nancy,  against  which  her  owner  was  so  much 
prejudiced,  in  consequence  of  having  been  beaten  twice 
by  ships  of  war,  was  at  this  time  painted  black,  relieved 
by  a  broad  white  streak  around  her  waist,  having 
squares  of  black  let  in  at  equi-distance  to  represent 
ports  of  a  man-of-war,  and  a  narrow  bead  of  white  ran 
around  her  rail  from  knight's  head  to  tafferel.  Her  rig 
being  perfectly  square  forward,  and  having  yards  above 
a  fore  and  aft  lower  mast  aft,  made  her  a  brigantine. 
!Men  were  soon  aloft,  at  work  striking  her  after  yards, 
and  others  over  the  sides  on  stages,  busily  engaged  at 
painting. 

On  the  following  morning,  the  Nancy  bore  the  name 
of  Retreat.  She  was  painted  all  over  a  jet  black  ;  and 
her  rig  was  that  of  an  hermaphrodite  brig. 

"  How  do  you  like  her  now  ?"  asked  Harvey,  as  Fel- 
lows ascended  to  the  deck,  and  took  a  survey  of  the 
wonderful  change  that  had  been  wrought  on  the  exter- 
nal appearance  of  the  little  vessel.  "  How  does  she 
look?" 


oil  THE  DISINHERITED.  267 

"  Capital !  Now  let  them  search  for  the  Nancy,  and 
see  if  they'll  find  her." 

"  She  is  so  altered  in  appearance,"  said  Harvey,  "  that 
none  could  recognize  her." 

"I  am  getting  to  be  much  at  variance  with  these 
narrow  escapes,"  said  Fellows,  "  and  I  intend  to  con- 
coct some  plan  to  leave  the  sea.  No  doubt  ere  long 
we  will  have  to  try  our  speed  again.  Hang  it,  though  ! 
if  we  had  a  fast-sailing  vessel  it  wouldn't  be  so  bad  ; 
but  this  slow  thing,  I  fear,  will  yet  be  our  ruin." 

"  I'll  risk  my  head  on  her  good  sailing  qualities,"  said 
Harvey  with  a  shake  of  the  head,  as  he  cast  his  eye 
aloft  at  her  raking  masts. 

"  Our  two  escapes,"  said  Fellows,  "  were  not  accom- 
plished by  the  good  sailing  qualities  of  the  vessel ;  for 
the  first  we  may  thank  the  Scilly' Isles,  and  the  last,  the 
fog.  Do  you  not  sometimes  feel  alarmed,  and  wish  to 
change  this  manner  of  life  on  the  ocean  ?" 

"  If  I  could  live  as  easy,  and  make  as  much  money 
on  shore,"  replied  Harvey,  "  I  would  abandon  the  sea, 
but  to  live  on  shore  in  poverty,  merely  for  the  sake  of 
always  being  free  from  capture,  never  ! " 

"/shall  leave  the  sea,"  said  Fellows,  "as  early  as 
possible." 

"  But  what  will  you  do  with  the  girls  ?  for  if  you 
should  take  them  on  shore,  they  will  disclose  the  afiair, 
and  then  what  would  be  your  fate  ?" 

"  There  is  the  trouble,"  replied  Fellows.  "  What  do 
you  think  ?     Think  she  will  give  in  and  marry  me  ?  " 

"  Oh,  perhaps  she  will !  how  can  she  hold  out  against 
such  treatment?" 

"I  must  go  down  and  try  her  again,"  and  he  de- 
scended to  his  cabin,  and  rapping  at  the  door  of  the  room 
in  which  the  fair  prisoners  were  confined,  demanded  ad- 
mittance. 


268  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  Why  do  you  wish  to  be  admitted  ?"  asked  Kate. 

"  Because  I  have  something  of  importance  to  say  to 
you." 

"  Say  it  from  where  you  are  then,"  repUed  the  deter- 
mined girl,  "  I  will  not  admit  you." 

"I  declare,"  said  Fellows,   "that  I  do  not  wish  to 
harm  you,  so  admit  me,  or  come  out !  " 

"Never!" 

"  Then  I  shall  have  to  force  you  from  the  room,  for 
you  know  I  can  do  it  easily." 

"  If  you  make  the  attempt,"  cried  Kate  in  a  deter- 
mined manner,  "  I  shall  fire  on  you." 

"  I  am  also  armed,  so  beware,  and  do  not  aggravate 
m-i!" 

"  Speak  no  more  to  us  !  "  cried  Kate,  "  for  we  will 
not  answer;  but,  worst  of  fiends,  act,  iv2  are  ready." 

"  Sail,  ho  !  "  shouted  the  look  out. 

"  Where  awciy  ?  " 

"  One  point  on  the  lee  bow,  sir,  and  close  aboard." 

"  Oh  !  here  she  is!"  cried  Harvey,  "just  looming  up 
out  of  the  fog  !  she's  a  schooner  on  the  other  tack." 

"  Brig,  ahoy  ! " 

"Halloa!" 

"  What  brig  is  that  ?  " 

"  The  Eetreat." 

"  By  the  curse  of  fate  ! "  exclaimed  Fellows,  "  there 
is  Colborn,  and  we  are  lost !  for  she  is  a  man-of-war  I " 

"  Not  yet  exactly,"  said  Harvey,  "  but  go  below,  or 
he'll  recognize  you." 

"What  does  he  say?"  cried  Kate  with  joy,  as  she 
heard  mentioned  the  name  of  him  she  loved. 

"  He  said,"  answered  Eose,  "  that  he  on  board  the 
other  vessel  is  Colborn,  and  the  captain  told  him  to  go 
below." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  269 

Kate  became  so  perfectly  delighted  at  this  intelligence, 
that  she  clasped  her  arms  around  the  neck  of  her  maid, 
and  kissed  her. 

"  Where  are  you  from,  and  where  bound  ?"  demanded 
Colborn. 

"  I  know  his  voice  !"  cried  Kate,  "  oh,  I  am  so  happy  ! 
for  now  we  will  be  taken  from  this  pirate's  grasp.  He 
has  come  no  doubt  in  an  armed  vessel." 

"  From  Cork,  in  ballast,  bound  to  Newcastle,"  an- 
swered Harvey. 

"  Oh  !  the  wretch  ! "  exclaimed  Rose,  "  he  has  told  a 
lie,  for  he  said  this  vessel  is  from  Cork." 

"  He  wishes  to  deceive  the  questioner,"  said  Kate, 
"  but  he  can  not,  for  our  friend  can  read  this  vessel's 
name,  and  recognize  her.  Oh,  I  am  made  so  happy  ! 
We  will  be  home  to-morrow,  Rose  !  My  gratitude  to 
him  is  unbounded." 

"And  is  not  your  love  for  him  also  unbounded?" 
asked  Rose. 

Kate  did  not  answer,  but  silently  placed  her  arm  in 
Rose's,  and  again  kissed  her. 

"  That's  rather  a  fine  vessel,"  said  the  first  officer  of 
the  schooner  to  her  commander,  "  to  go  to  Newcastle 
for  coals  ! " 

"  Yes,"  said  Colborn  lightly,  "  for  paint  sometimes 
makes  old  vessels  new." 

"  Have  you  seen  any  brigantines  lately  ?" 

"  Only  one  !  "  answered  the  wily  Harvey. 

"Where?" 

"OfftheLizzard!" 

"  What  vessel  was  she  ?     Do  you  know  ?" 

"  Yes.     The  Nancy  of  London." 

"  When  did  you  see  her  ? "  cried  the  now  anxious 
Colborn. 


270  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  Yesterday." 
"  Where  was  she  bound  ?  " 
"  Into  the  Bristol  Channel." 

The  schooner  immediately  bore  away.  She  was  a 
fast  sailer,  and  cut  the  water  like  a  knife,  as  the  fresh- 
ening breeze  propelled  her  through  it.  She  had  been 
fitted  out  by  orders  of  the  admiralty  at  the  suggestion 
of  Admiral  Holbroke,  who  had  been  strongly  solicited 
to  use  his  influence  with  that  important  body.  Colborn's 
wishes  to  be  placed  in  command  of  the  little  vessel  had 
been  complied  with.  She  mounted  four  guns,  and  had 
a  crew  of  thirty-six  men.  He  had  full  powers  to  sink, 
burn,  destroy,  or  capture  the  Nancy,  and  with  high  hope 
had  commenced  his  important  errand.  The  schooner 
flew  along  before  the  smart  breeze,  the  spray  from  the 
sea-caps  flj'ing  over  her,  and  sprinkling  her  snow-white 
canvas  fore  and  aft.  But  had  she  been  propelled  as 
swift  as  flies  the  swallow,  she  would  not  have  satisfied 
his  impatient  spirit. 

Oh,  with  what  joy  would  his  mind  have  been  filled, 
if  he  had  known  that  the  brigantine  he  was  searching  v 
for  was  thus  within  his  reach!  —  that  she  he  mourned 
for  had  heard  his  well-known  voice  !  —  that  she  beloved 
above  all  others,  was  instantly  expecting  him  to  rescue 
her  !  And  with  what  impetuosity  would  he  have  dashed 
on  board  the  disguised  vessel ! 

The  schooner  bounded  away,  while  the  breeze  that 
soon  separated  the  two  vessels  far  asunder  drowned  the 
voices  of  the  unfortunate  females,  and  for  the  time  dis- 
pelled all  hopes  of  release  from  their  doleful  imprison- 
ment. 

Now  was  the  time  for  Fellows  to  renew  his  suit. 
"  Your  friend's  vessel  is  far  away,"  said  he,  "  and  can 
no  longer  be  seen,  so  your  escape  is  impossible.     Now, 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED. 


271 


Miss  Pederson,  yonr  good  sense  must  tell  you  that  it  is 
folly  for  you  to  hold  out  longer,  and  understand  me,  I 
will  no  longer  be  denied  the  privilege  of  speaking  with 
you  face  to  face.  "  If  you  do  not  open  the  door,  I  shall 
break  it  in." 

"Act  as  you  please,"  said  the  brave  girl,  "we  are 
armed." 

"  I  will  not  harm  you  !" 

"Do  you  think  I  will  believe  a  man  who  has  so 
treacherously  and  basely  stolen  me  from  my  home? 
No  !  you  are  a  fiend." 

"  If  I  am  a  fiend,"  said  Fellows,  "  my  love  for  you 
has  made  me  such." 

"  A  strange  kind  of  love,"  cried  Kate,  "  thus  to  cause 
a  man  to  become  so  depraved  and  hardened  in  vice, 
that  no  scene  is  cruel  enough  to  touch  his  wicked  heart. 
I  will  not  trust  myself  in  such  a  monster's  presence." 

"  You  are  in  my  power,"  said  he,  "  and  I  shall  see 
your  face." 

A  noise  of  some  heavy  implement,  and  the  cracking 
and  snapping  of  the  wood  now  informed  them  that  he 
was  making  exertions  to  break  the  lock  of  the  door. 

Kate  and  her  servant  stood  side  by  side,  firmly  hold- 
ing their  pistols  in  their  extended  arms  ready  to  fire. 
Presently  with  a  crash  the  door  gave  way,  and  Pellows 
stood  before  them  —  and  at  the  same  moment  the  pis- 
tol of  Kate  was  aimed  at  his  face,  and  fired. 

The  bullet  passed  through  his  hair,  and  as  he  felt  it3 
round,  hard  surface,  just  above  his  brain,  a  shudder 
came  over  him,  and  he  retreated,  and  quick  as  light- 
nin cr  closed  the  door.  It  was  not  too  soon,  for  Eose, 
following  the  example  of  her  mistress,  fired  at  the  same 
moment,  and  the  ball  found  a  lodgment  in  the  wood  in- 
stead of  his  body. 


272  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

The  girls  finding  bullets  were  more  serviceable  to 
them  in  their  present  position  than  door-locks,  took  from 
the  closet  two  other  loaded  pistols,  and  seated  them- 
selves in  readiness  to  defend  their  lives  and  honor  to  the 
last. 

"  Miss  Pederson,"  said  Fellows  calmly,  "  you  came 
within  an  inch  of  killing  me,  for  the  ball  passed  just  over 
my  head." 

"  Then  I  wish  it  had  gone  just  that  inch  lower,"  re- 
plied Kate. 

"  Do  you  w^ish  to  become  a  murderess  ?  " 

"  I  do  not !  but  the  instant  you  open  that  door  again, 
I  will  shoot  you.     Do  you  hear  > " 

Fellows  did  hear,  and  thought,  too,  and  came  to  the 
conclusion  from  what  he  had  experienced  of  the  deter- 
mined character  of  his  prisoner,  that  it  would  be  better 
to  use  gentle  means,  to  speak  to  her  in  a  kind  manner, 
than  to  make  further  attempts  in  the  way  of  compulsion. 

"If  you  will  agree.  Miss  Pederson,  to  accompany 
me  to  my  mother's  in  London,  and  converse  with  her 
upon  the  subject,  I  will  convey  you  there." 

This  suggestion  brought  a  feeling  of  hope  to  the  minds 
of  the  prisoners,  and  they  reasoned  that,  once  in  London, 
they  'could,  by  making  their  condition  known,  efiect 
their  liberty. 

They  remained  silent  for  some  time,  and  then  began 
a  low  conversation. 

"  If  he  has  a  mother,"  said  Kate,  "  it  would  be  well 
for  us  to  be  conveyed  to  her." 

"Mother!"  said  Eose  with  a  sneer,  "  what  mother 
would  own  such  a  wretch  for  a  son  ?" 

"  He  spoke  of  his  mother,  however,"  said  Kate,  "when 
at  our  house.     I  am  of  opinion  that  he  has  a  mother." 

"  If  he  has  or  has  not,"  observed  Rose,   "  we  would 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  273 

be  much  better  off  anywhere  on   shore,  than  on  board 
of  this  vessel  with  these  pirates." 

"  We  certainly  would,"  joined  Kate,  "  so  let  us  agree 
to  his  proposal  immediately." 

"  Will  you  agree  to  my  proposal  ? "  asked  Fellows, 
after  waiting  some  time  in  silence. 

"  We  will,"  answered  Kate,  "  but  conditionally." 

Pellows  stood  thinking  a  moment.  He  supposed 
when  he  first  made  up  his  mind  to  entrap  her,  that  after 
a  few  days  she  would  become  intimidated,  and  in  order 
to  regain  her  liberty  would  agree  to  have  him.  He 
had  not  the  slightest  idea  that  she  would  prove  so  he- 
roic ;  and  was  perfectly  astonished  to  find  that  she  knew 
how  to  use  a  pistol.  The  fear  also  of  being  taken  either 
by  some  French  vessel  of  war,  or  by  one  of  the  cruisers 
he  knew  the  government  had  sent  in  search  of  him, 
now  had  an  influence  in  inducing  him  to  propose  milder 
measures. 

"  What  are  your  conditions  ?"  he  asked  in  a  pleasant 
manner. 

"  That  we  shall  be  no  more  molested,"  answered 
Kate,  "  either  on  board  of  your  vessel,  or  on  shore  ;  and 
that  after  a  conversation  with  your  mother,  we  shall  be 
set  at  liberty." 

Fellows,  thinking  if  she  did  not  consent  to  his  wishes 
after  an  interview  with  his  mother,  that  he  could  kidnap 
her,  and  convey  her  to  the  care  of  old  Peg,  said, 

"  I  will  agree  to  your  conditions,  but  mark  me !  if 
you  seek  to  evade  your  part  of  the  contract,  I  will  ruin 
your  character." 

"  How  ?"  demanded  Kate. 

"  By  slander." 

Kate  well  knew  that  under  the  circumstances  slander 
could  give  a  death-blow  to  her  reputation. 
13 


274 

AYould  Colborn  be  willing  to  unite  himself  in  mar- 
riage with  a  lady  whose  virtue  was  tainted  with  bad 
reports  ?  was  a  question  that  obtruded  upon  her,  and 
she  wept  when  she  perceived  the  wiles  in  which  the 
villain  had  entrapped  her. 

And  who  can  estimate  the  amount  of  evil  that  slan- 
der has  produced  in  the  world  ! 

No  hero  or  heroine  will  seek  his  or  her  redress  for 
grievances,  real  or  supposed,  by  such  cowardly  means. 
Yet  still  it  is  often  resorted  to,  and  in  a  shameless  man- 
ner, by  unprincipled  persons,  who  know  of  no  other  way 
of  obtaining  revenge.  One  who  perhaps  has  been  of- 
fended by  some  slight  unintentional  neglect;  or  has 
been  opposed  in. argument  on  religious,  political,  or 
business  matters,  and  thereby  becomes  offended,  goes 
behind  his  opponent's  back,  and  villainously  and  treach- 
erously slanders  him  he  dares  not  meet  vis  a  vis  ! 

The  man  who  has  in  this  manner  defrauded  his  fel- 
low-man of  reputation  has  beyond  doubt  committed  a 
great  crime,  and  should  suffer  severely  for  the  base  act. 

But  he  who  slanders  a  lady's  character,  who  causes 
a  doubt  to  rest  upon  her  virtue,  commits  a  crime  so 
much  more  heinous,  that  no  punishment  is  severe  enough 
to  atone  for  the  wrong. 

I  am  opposed  to  the  practice  of  settling  private  quar- 
rels by  resort  to  arms,  for  the  settlement  of  the  generality 
of  disputes  should  be  decided  by  courts  of  justice,  but 
in  cases  of  cowardly  calumny,  I  am  for  withholding  no 
means  within  one's  reach  to  bring  signal  punishment  on 
the  guilty  party. 

"  And  would  you  resort  to  slander?"  asked  Kate, 
"  to  force  me  to  marry  you  against  my  will  ?" 

"  I  would  resort  to  any  means,"  answered  the  coward, 
"  and  therefore  after  your  arrival  at  London,  if  you  run 


OR  TUE  DISINHERITED.  275 

away  and  violate  the  promise  you  have  solemnly  made, 
I  will  cause  to  be  reported  among  j^our  relatives  and  ac- 
quaintances, such  reports  that  you  will  ever  afterwards 
be  looked  upon  as  a  person  fallen  from  purity.  Your 
friends  will  shun  you,  and  even  William  Colborn  will 
forsake  you,  and  point  at  you  the  finger  of  scorn." 

Kate  and  Kose  burst  into  tears  at  the  appalling  pic- 
ture presented  to  their  minds.  Yes  !  these  brave  girls 
who  had  resisted  the  superior  strength  of  armed  men, 
and  like  lionesses  defended  themselves,  the  moment 
that  venomous  slander  was  suggested  against  them, 
shuddered  and  wept  although  perfectly  innocent. 

"  But,"  continued  Fellows,  "  if  you  will  keep  your 
promise,  go  to  my  mother's  and  listen  to  her,  I  will  not 
injure  you  by  false  accusations." 

"  I  will  do  it,"  said  Kate  in  a  firm  voice. 

"  And  I,  too,"  joined  Rose. 

"  Then  I  will  immediately  start  for  London,"  said 
he,  and  he  ascended  to  the  deck  and  gave  the  neces- 
sary instructions  to  Harvey. 

The  Retreat  was  soon  on  her  way,  but  as  the  wind 
proved  unfavorable,  several  days  elapsed  ere  she  reached 
the  Downs.  However,  she  made  good  progress  up 
the  river,  after  entering  it.  At  length  the  well-known 
din  of  the  metropolis  fell  welcome  upon  the  prisoners* 
ears,  and  pushing  open  the  door,  they  left  the  room  they 
had  so  long  occupied  in  misery.  They  still  held  within 
their  firm  grasp  their  pistols,'and  motioning  Fellows  to 
precede  them,  they  followed  him  to  the  deck  and  over 
the  side  into  the  boat  that  waited  to  convey  them  to  the 
landing. 

The  hearts  of  the  maidens  leaped  with  joy  as  their 
eyes  surveyed  the  land  around,  and  contemplated  the 
sky  above  them.     Fellows  was  more  than  once  tempted 


276  LIEUTENANT  COLEORN, 

to  snatch  away  their  pistols,  and  secrete  the  helpless  fe- 
males in  the  sewer  which  has  been  heretofore  referred 
to,  as  the  boat  ^Dassed  by  its  entrance,  but  feariag  their 
screams  or  the  report  of  a  pistol  would  attract  atten- 
tion, he  did  not  venture  to  carry  any  such  scheme  into 
effect. 

They  reached  the  landing  in  safety,  and  walking  up 
the  steps,  were  mingled  with  numerous  citizens.  Kate 
was  inclined  to  take  advantage  of  this  opportunity  to 
effect  their  liberty,  but  she  had  promised  him  faithfully 
that  she  would  accompany  him  to  his  mother's,  and  felt 
in  duty  bound  to  do  so.  Besides,  she  feared  his  slan- 
derous tongue ! 

On  reaching  the  street,  they  stepped  into  a  close  car- 
riage, and  drove  off;  the  girls  thanking  kind  Providence 
for  their  safe  arrival  on  shore,  although  they  were  not 
without  fears  of  being  conveyed  to  another  prison,  where 
they  might  be  treated  with  still  more  cruelty.  But 
they  were  encouraged  by  the  sound  of  living  thousands 
around  them.  The  carriage  drove  to  Mrs.  Brady's. 
On  descending  they  cast  suspicious  glances  at  the  front 
of  the  dwelling,  and  fearing  they  might  be  again  en- 
trapped, refused  to  enter.  Pellows  went  in,  however, 
and  having  embraced  his  mother,  and  explained  hastily 
that  he  had  brought  with  him  his  intended  bride,  was 
accompanied  by  her  to  the  door. 

On  beholding  the  benign  and  pleasant  appearance  of 
Mrs.  Brady,  and  as  her  residence  bespoke  respectability, 
they  no  longer  hesitated. 

Fellows  introduced  Kate  as  his  intended  bride,  and 
Eose  as  her  maid,  and  they  were  conducted  into  the 
house.  They  seated  themselves,  and  having  been  relieved 
of  their  bonnets  and  shawls,  entered  earnestly  into  an 
apparently  friendly  conversation.     The  sight  of  one  of 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  277 

their  own  sex,  and  a  furnished  room  on  shore,  looked 
so  natural  to  thera,  and  they  were  so  overjoyed,  that 
the  many  injuries  received  were  for  the  time  being  cast 
from  their  minds. 

"Judging  from  personal  appearance,"  said  Mrs. 
Brady,  "  I  should  say  you  had  made  a  good  selection, 
my  son." 

"  There  is  no  doubt  upon  that  point,"  said  Fellows, 
"  and  I  wish  there  were  none  on  other  points.  The 
principal  obstacle,  dear  mother,  is,  that  we  have  had 
considerable  trouble  between  ourselves,  and  I  beg  you 
will  intercede,  and  endeavor  to  bring  about  a  reconcilia- 
tion between  us." 

"  Am  I  then  to  consider  this  as  an  elopement?"  asked 
Mrs.  Brady. 

"  Not  by  any  means,"  said  Fellows. 
"  I  shall  be  most  happy  to  intercede,  if  by  so  doing 
it  will  adjust  your  difficulties,"  said  Mrs.  Brady  in  a 
kind  manner.     "  But  first,  please  enlighten  me  about 
the  unfortunate  misunderstanding." 

"  There  has  been  no  elopement.  Madam,"  said  Kate, 

"  I  should  be  very  sorry  to " 

"  Hush,"  whispered  Fellows,  interrupting  her. 
"  But  an  abduction,  madam!"  continued  Kate,  "I 
am  not  here  of  my  own  free  will." 

"  What  does  this  mean,  George  ?"  said  Mrs.  Brady. 
"  I  accidentally  stopped  at  an  inn  at  Plymouth,"  said 
Fellows,  "  kept  by  a  Mr,  Pederson,  and  becoming  en- 
amored of  this  girl,  his  daughter,  [  did  all  I  could  to 
win  her  affections,  but  in  vain.  I  offered  to  marry  her, 
but  she  refused,  as  she  was  betrothed  to  a  lieutenant  in 
the  navy,  to  whom,  unfortunately,  she  is  very  much  at- 
tached. I  became  wretched,  and  at  last,  when  in  an- 
other week,  she  was  to  become  his  bride,  I  was  driven 
to  abduct  her  —  " 


278  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  Is  it  possible?"  exclaimed  Mrs.  Brady, interrupting 
him.  "  You  have  done  wrong,  George,  I  am  very  sorry 
for  it." 

"  To  abduct  her,'*  continued  Fellows,  "  by  decoy- 
ing her  on  board  of  my  vessel,  and  sailing  with  her  out 
to  sea,  treating  her  kindly,  and  bringing  her  here." 

"Treating  her  kindly  !"  exclaimed  Rose. 

"  Treating  me  kindly  !"  ejaculated  Kate. 

"  I  regret  this  exceedingly,"  said  Mrs.  Brady.  "  And 
is  the  object  of  my  son's  affections  still  unwilling  to 
make  him  happy  by  becoming  his  wife  :" 

"I  cannot  many  him!"  replied  Kate  in  a  decided 
manner. 

"  Then  our  business  is  at  an  end  on  this  subject,"  said 
Mrs.  Brady,  "  for  certainly  my  son  cannot  expect  to 
obtain  a  wife  by  force." 

"  Then  of  course,  Mr.  Fellows,"  said  Kate,  rising, 
"  according  to  our  agreement,  we  are  at  liberty  to  go." 

"Who  is  Mr.  Fellows  ?"  asked  the  old  lady  in  aston- 
ishment. 

"Your  son  !"  said  Eose,  seeing  Fellows  making  mo- 
tions for  Kate  to  refuse  to  answer. 

"  And  w^ho  is  the  lady,"  asked  Mrs.  Brady,  "  that  my 
son  has  unfortunately  become  so  enamored  of?" 

"  I  am  the  daughter  of  Mr.  George  Pederson," 
proudly  answ^ered  Kate,  "  the  keeper  of  an  inn  at  Ply- 
mouth." 

The  old  lady  wiped  her  glasses,  and  putting  them  on, 
gazed  at  the  speaker. 

"  Have  you  seen  her  before,  mother,  that  you  stare 
so  at  her  }  " 

His  mother  did  not  answer,  but  continued  her  ques- 
tions to  Kate. 

"  Did  your  parents  formerly  reside  in  London  ?" 

"  They  did,  madam." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  279 

"  Was  your  mother's  name  Lucretia  ?" 

Kate  answered  in  the  affirmative. 

''  Have  you  a  brother  named  Henry  ?" 

"  I  had  ;  but  we  fear  he  has  been  lost  at  sea." 

"  Had  you  another  brother?" 

"  I  had,  madam,  but  he  was  taken  from  us  when  an 
infant,  a  friend  of  my  mother's  adopted  him." 

"  And  what  was  his  name  ?  " 

"  George." 

The  old  lady  arose  from  her  chair,  and  said, 

"  Your  name  must  be  Catharine  !    Is  it  not  ?" 

"  It  is,  madam." 

Mrs.  Brady  then  turning  to  her  son,  said, 

"  You  ought  to  be  very  thankful  that  there  have  been 
obstacles  that  have  prevented  your  marriage,  for  this 
girl  you  so  fonclhj  love^  and  have  so  cruelly  treated^  is 
your  sister  !  " 

A  cry  of  astonishment  escaped  from  the  lips  of  all 
at  this  most  singular  and  sudden  disclosure,  and  Kate 
sank  into  a  chair,  and  buried  her  face  in  her  kerchief. 

Fellows  cast  a  look  of  surprise  at  Kate,  then  at  his 
mother,  and  exclaimed,  "It  can  not  be  possible  !  pshaw ! 
nonsense  !  I  do  not  believe  it !" 

Eose,  rising  from  her  seat,  and  turning  ashy  pale  at 
the  disclosure,  looked  at  Eellows,  and  said  sarcastically, 
"  Brother  or  not,  if  I  were  Kate,  I  would  not  own 
you  !" 

"  But  it  can  not  be  possible  ! "  cried  Fellows.  "  You 
must  be  mistaken,  mother !  1  will  not  believe  it !  Ex- 
plain yourself." 

"Mrs.  Pederson  was  a  good  woman,"  said  Mrs. 
Brady,  and  many  happy  hours  have  I  spent  in  her  so- 
ciety. Indeed,  she  was  my  most  intimate  friend;  forup- 
wards  of  four  years  we  occupied  the  same  house.     I 


280  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

had  just  lost  an  infant  son,  and  your  mother's  hfe  being 
despaired  of,  after  she  had  given  birth  to  you,  I  took  you 
to  my  breast  to  nurse.  Mrs.  Pederson  continued  very  ill 
for  many  weeks ;  I  kept  you,  George,  and  became  very 
much  attached  to  you,  and  begged  I  might  keep  you 
for  my  own.  Your  parents  reluctantly  granted  my  re- 
quest. I  adopted  you,  George,  and  jou.  took  the  sur- 
name of  Brady.  In  course  of  time  Mr.  Pederson's 
family  was  increased  by  the  birth  of  Henry  and  Cath- 
arine. A  few  years  after,  they  removed  to  Plymouth, 
since  which  time  I  have  never  had  the  pleasure  of  see- 
ing them.  I  occasionally  heard  from  them  until  the  de- 
mise of  your  mother,  but  have  not  since.  Your  father 
was  a  very  tine  man,  a  kind  husband,  an  indulgent  fa- 
ther, and  a  good  neighbor.     Is  his  health  good  now  ?  " 

"  He  was  quite  well,"  answered  Kate,  "  when  we  were 
separated,  but  I  fear  my  absence  in  such  a  way  will  im- 
pair his  health." 

"  And  is  it  my  own  father,"  exclaimed  Fellows,  "that 
I  have  treated  so  cruelly  ?  But  why  did  you  not  in- 
form me,  mother  ?  Why  did  you  not  tell  me  that  I  was 
your  son  only  by  adoption  ?" 

"  Because  I  was  at  first  jealous  of  your  love,  and 
thought  it  best  to  keep  it  secret." 

"  Far  better  would  it  have  been  had  you  told  me," 
said  Fellows,  mournfully,  as  he  sank  carelessly  into  a 
chair. 

"  Why  did  not  Mr.  Pederson  inquire  about  your  fam- 
ily > "  asked  Mrs.  Brady  of  her  adopted  son,  "  knowing 
that  you  had  come  from  London.,and  that  your  name 
was  Brady  ?" 

"  Because  the  villain  took  the  namjs  of  Carey  ! "  an- 
swered Pose,  shaking  her  head. 

"Here  is  more  mystery!"  said  Mrs.  Brady,  with  a 
sigh. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  281 

"  Oh,  wretch  that  I  am!"  cried  Fellows,  "to  have 
treated  my  own  father  and  sister  so  cruelly.  Oh,  dear 
sister,  I  have  been  so  ungrateful  that  I  hardly  dare  ask 
your  forgiveness."  And  he  covered  his  face  with  his 
hands  and  wept. 

''  He's  making  that,"  said  Rose  in  derision,  "  for  he  is 
capable  of  anything  that  is  bad  and  deceptive." 

Mrs.  Brady  was  not  aware  of  the  reason  why  her 
son  had  changed  his  name  to  Fellows,  nor  yet  why  he 
had  assumed  the  name  of  Carey.  She  was  not  aware 
that  he  had  been  a  robber,  a  homicide,  and  guilty  of 
many  other  heinous  crimes.  And  now  that  a  few  of  his 
atrocities  were  being  divulged,  injured  in  her  feelings 
and  pride,  she  frequently  sighed  and  cast  reproachful 
looks  at  him. 

Kate  looked  upon  him  with  that  pity  one  looks  upon 
a  lost,  fallen  friend,  but  she  could  not  forgive  him.  None 
of  the  hundreds  of  causes  which  stimulate  afleotion  be- 
tween brothers  and  sisters  had  she  known.  She  had 
never  played  with,  or  fondled  over  him  in  childhood, 
nor  known  him  as  a  brother  since  adult  age.  Hence  it 
cannot  be  wondered  that  she  cast  upon  him  a  cold  look, 
and  addressed  her  conversation  to  Mrs.  Brady. 

Mrs.  Brady  took  quite  as  great  an  interest  in  Kate, 
since  the  secret  had  been  divulged,  and  declared  she 
would  take  pleasure  in  doing  all  in  her  power  to  make 
the  daughter  of  her  old  friends  comfortable  and  happy. 
She  threw  off  all  reserve,  and  appeared  more  like  a 
mother  than  a  person  they  had  never  before  known. 
She  begged  that  they  would  be  perfectly  at  home  un- 
der her  roof,  and  as  supper  w^as  now  announced,  seated 
Kate  by  her  side,  and  remarked  that  she  wished  her  to 
remain  weeks  instead  of  days. 

The  repast  being  finished,  Kate  asked  for  pen,  ink, 
13* 


282  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

and  paper,  so  that  she  might  advise  her  father  of  her 
safety,  and  request  him  to  send  the  news  to  "WilUam 
Colborn. 

Having  written  a  letter,  and  sent  it  to  the  post,  she 
retired  to  the  chamber  the  good  Mrs.  Brady  had  pre- 
pared for  her,  and  after  kneeUng  humbly  in  thankful- 
ness to  her  Creator  for  preserving  her  through  all  the 
many  dangers  w^ith  which  she  had  been  surrounded, 
laid  her  head  upon  the  pillow,  and  soon  enjoyed  the 
first  safe  and  sound  slumber  she  had  known  since  she 
left  the  habitation  of  her  father. 


OR  THE  DISINnBRITED.  283 


.   CHAPTEE    XXXI. 

THE     CHALLENGE. 

The  schooner's  cruise  being  ended,  her  commander 
hurried  to  London,  and  entered  the  great  news  room 
to  ascertain  if  any  information  had  been  received  touch- 
ing the  discovery  of  the  whereabouts  of  the  Nancy,  that 
prison  of  his  lost  love.  He  had  not  succeeded  in  ob- 
taining any  news  himself  during  his  absence,  excepting 
the  false  report  given  him  by  the  brig  Eetreat,  although 
he  had  searched  very  diligently  by  night  and  day  for 
several  weeks. 

But  nothing  was  reported  of  the  lost  brigantine  at 
the  news  room,  and  after  hurriedly  looking  through  the 
papers  and  lists,  he  descended  to  the  street  with  a  heavy 
heart.  He  walked  carelessly  along,  he  knew  not,  and 
cared  not  whither,  fearing  the  Nancy  had  gone  to  some 
distant  country,  and  that  he  should  never  more  see 
Kate. 

He  was  about  to  call  for  a  carriage,  when  his  eyes 
met  those  of  a  man  he  certainly  had  seen  before.  He 
looked  again  and  exclaimed,  "  Can  it  be  possible  !  the 
villain  Carey  ?"  It  was  indeed  he,  and  William,  carried 
away  with  rage,  rushed  upon  him,  seized  him  by  the 
collar,  and  called  out, 

"  Villain !  fiend !  where  is  Miss  Pederson  and  her 
servant  ?  " 

"  They  are  safe  and  well  at  Mrs.  Brady's,"  answered 
Fellows  calmly,  "  but  before  we  proceed  further  in  con- 


284  LIEUTENANT  COLBOBN, 

versation,  I  have  to  request  that  you  take  your  hand 
from  my  shoulder." 

"I  will  do  it,"  said  WilHam,  as  he  retreated  from 
him,  "  for  had  I  not  been  carried  away  with  passion,  I 
should  not  have  stooped  to  chastise  such  a  wretch  with 
my  bare  hand,  but  should  have  blown  out  your  brains, 
or  given  you  in  charge  of  the  pohce  at  once." 

"  Whether  I  am  a  wretch  or  not,"  said  Fellows,  "  I 
have  answered  your  question,  and  with  civility,  and  con- 
sequently presume  that  I  am  at  liberty  to  go." 

*'  Not  by  any  means,  not  until  I  have  had  satisfaction 
for  the  injury  you  have  done  Miss  Pederson." 

"  And  how  do  you  intend  to  get  satisfaction  ?"  asked 
Fellows,  "  in  an  honorable  manner,  face  to  face,  or  by 
taking  me  unawares,  and  slaying  me  like  a  dog  ?" 

"  By  fighting  you  to  your  teeth,  wretch  !  so  prepare 
yourself !     Let  us  go  for  weapons  !  " 

"  Come  in  here,  then  !"  said  Fellows,  as  he  led  the 
•way  into  a  respectable-looking  coffee-house,  "there 
are  weapons  here." 

"I  see  none,"  said  Colborn,  as  they  entered,  and 
walked  towards  the  counter. 

"  Don't  get  excited,  but  take  a  seat,  and  we'll  make 
all  necessary  preparations  in  a  cool  manner,"  said  Fel- 
lows, and  seating  himself  at  a  table,  he  called  for  drinks. 

"  I  told  you  there  were  weapons  here,"  continued  he, 
as  he  drew  from  his  pockets  a  pair  of  loaded  pistols, 
and  coolly  laid  them  on  the  table,  "  here  they  are,  and 
as  good  ones  as  ever  clicked.  Now  since  you  have 
challenged  me,  I  am  ready  at  a  proper  time  to  meet 
you ;  this  is  no  new  business  to  me,  I  have  met  men 
face  to  face  in  a  similar  manner  before.  Take  your 
choice  of  these  weapons,  but  the  time  for  combat  I  shall 
reserve  to  appoint  myself." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  285 

*'  Then  you  do  not  wish  to  meet  me  at  once,"  said 
Wilham. 

"  I  do  not." 

"  And  when  will  you  ?" 

"  As  soon  as  you  have  had  an  interview  with  Miss 
Pederson." 

Colborn    became    a  little  more  composed,  and  de- 
manded where  the  lady  could  be  seen. 

<'  At  my  adopted  mother's." 

«  How  far  is  it  ?  " 

"  About  four  miles." 

"  Let  us  go,  then,"  said  William,  and  after  paying  for 
the  drinks  — that,  by  the  way,  Colborn  did  not  touch. 
they  left  the  coffee-house,  and  sought  a  conveyance. 

"  Enter  that  carriage !"  said  Colborn. 

"  Gluddeus  Place  !"  said  Fellows  to  the  driver,  and 
soon  the  vehicle  was  rolling  through  the  thronged 
thoroughfares  of  London. 

The  carriage  stopped  at  the  gate  of  Mrs.  Brady's 
house,  William  surveyed  the  front  of  the  building,  and 
when  the  door  was  opened,  he  refused  to  enter,  fearing 
some  trick  might  be  played  upon  him. 

Fellows  went  in  and  announced  that  Mr.  Colborn 
was  outside !  at  which  Kate  started  from  her  seat,  and 
flew  to  the  door. 

Kate !  Wilham !  was  simultaneously  ejaculated,  as 
they  clasped  each  other  in  their  arms. 

But  we  will  leave  them  to  love  and  privacy. 
Fellows  informed  his  mother  that  in  consequence  of 
the  person  he  had  treated  so  cruelly,  having  proved  to 
be  his  sister,  he  did  not  wish  to  remain  longer  where 
she  was,  and  therefore  should  be  absent  until  such  time 
as  Miss  Pederson  and  Hose  should  depart. 
In  going  out  he  stopped  at  the  door  of  the  parlor,  in 


286  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

which  were  his  enemy  and  sister,  and  sent  to  Colborn 
a  note  to  inform  him  that  fww  he  was  in  readiness  to 
keep  his  w^ord  in  regard  to  the  shooting  afifair. 

WiUiam  having  read  the  note,  went  into  the  hall  and 
said  calmly,  that  as  circumstances  had  changed  very 
materially  the  face  of  affairs,  he  would  recall  the  threats 
he  had  uttered.  "  I  shall  never  meet  in  combat,"  con- 
tinued he,  "  the  brother  of  Kate.  I  bid  you  go  in  peace, 
and  repent  of  your  erroneous  ways.  /  \\\\\  never  molest 
you."  With  these  words  he  withdrew,  and  closed  the 
door. 

Fellows  being  ashamed  to  meet  again  the  females  he 
had  so  badly  treated,  bade  his  mother  adieu,  and  de- 
parted. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  287 


CHAPTER    XXXII. 

THE    LAST    OF    FELLOWS. 

Fellows  roved  through  the  streets  of  London  an  un- 
happy and  friendless  man.  He  thought  gloomily  of  his 
hard  fate,  of  having  been  so  singularly  disappointed  in 
his  hopes  of  becoming  happy  with  Kate  Pederson.  It 
is  true  that  he  had  wealth,  and  therefore  need  not  fear 
actual  want,  but  without  some  one  to  live  for,  no 
amount  of  wealth  can  make  the  mind  of  man  happy. 

Besides,  his  conscience  was  far  from  being  at  rest,  for 
the  many  injuries  he  had  done  to  his  fellow-men  stared 
him  in  the  face  and  troubled  him.  He  tried  to  drive 
thought  away  in  dissipation.  He  attended  a  place  of 
amusement,  drank  intoxicating  beverages,  and  finally 
in  the  evening  attended  a  dance.  But  all  to  no  purpose : 
still  he  continued  to  be"  unhappy. 

He  put  up  at  an  inn,  and  sent  for  Harvey  to  remain 
with  him  and  keep  him  company. 

"  Harvey,"  said  he  on  the  following  morning,  as  the 
captain  met  him  at  his  apartments,  "  I  am  really  un- 
happy, for  that  girl  is  lost  to  me,  she  can  never  be  my 
wife." 

"  Force  her  to  be,  or  punish  her  stubbornness  by  a 
worse  fate  —  you  have  the  power." 

*'  No  !  I  am  saved  from  such  a  sin  —  she  is  my  sister." 

"Your  sister!"  exclaimed  Harvey,  in  the  greatest 
astonishment.     "  It  can  not  be  so." 

"  It  is  too  true,"  said  Fellows,  as  he  looked  dolefully 


288  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

at  his  companion.  "  But  let  us  get  away  from  this,  and 
go  somewhere  and  see  something  new.  I  must  banish 
these  glooray  feehngs  from  my  mind." 

"  As  you  please,"  replied  Harvey,  and  they  went  out 
of  the  inn,  and  walked  leisurely  up  the  street. 

"  I  wish  I  had  led  a  different  life,"  said  Fellows,  "  my 
conscience  bothers  me  terribly." 

"  Conscience  !  nonsense,  man  !  If  you  had'nt  lost  the 
girl,  you  would'nt  thus  talk  of  conscience  !  " 

"  But  I  can  not  help  it,"  continued  Fellows,  and  a 
shudder  passed  through  his  frame.  "  But  let  us  go  and 
see  old  Peg.  It  is  a  longtime  since  I  have  called  on  the 
old  hag ;  perhaps  she  can  in  some  way  relieve  my  dis- 
tress of  mind." 

So  saying  they  started  on  their  errand  ;  they  knocked 
at  the  door,  and  a  poor,  ragged  girl  let  them  in. 

"  Just  the  same  as  ever,"  said  Fellows,  "  or  rather 
worse.     How  is  the  old  woman  ?" 

"  The  old  woman  is  not  here  now,"  said  the  girl. 
"  When  did  she  leave  ?     Where  is  she  ?  " 
"  She's  been  dead,  sir,  for  some  time  ! " 
"  Indeed  !     And  who  lives  here  now  ?" 
"  Nobody  lives  /^ere,"  she  replied,  "  but  our  folks  live 
next  door." 

"  Then  let  us  be  off,"  said  Fellows  to  his  companion, 
"old  Peg's  gone  the  long  road  ;"  and  they  again  saun- 
tered up  the  street. 

They  next  visited  the  lane^  but  here  they  found  the 
narrow  passage-way  to  the  three  houses  he  had  once 
occupied,  guarded  by  policemen.  He  did  not  like  the 
appearance  of  these  guardians  of  the  peace ;  it  looked  as 
if  a  close  watch  was  kept  upon  the  conduct  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  locality. 

On  arriving  at  the  door  of  one  of  the  before-described 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  289 

old  and  decayed  houses,  he  knocked.  The  door  was 
opened  by  a  man  who  asked  what  was  wanted.  Eellows 
thinking  he  was  one  of  the  gang,  asked  for  Hubert. 

"  What  do  you  wish  of  Hubert  ?"  asked  the  man. 

"  You  need  not  put  on  any  airs  in  this  way,  nor  try 
to  deceive  me,"  said  Fellows,  "  go  and  tell  your  master 
that  an  old  friend  is  here." 

"  Walk  in  !  walk  in  ! "  said  the  man  quite  humbly,  now 
perceiving  that  they  were  two  of  the  great  band  of  rob- 
bers. 

They  obeyed,  and  ha\^ngseated  themselves,  waited  for 
Hubert,  whom  the  man  had  gone  into  the  next  room,  as 
they  supposed,  to  call. 

But  an  honest  man  was  he,  and  on  reaching  the  other 
room  he  sent  his  son  from  the  back  door  of  the  house 
to  summon  the  police  to  arrest  his  tw^o  visitors. 

"  Hubert  is  not  here  woi^,"  said  he,  as  he  entered  the 
room  where  sat  the  visitors,  after  having  waited  as  long 
as  it  would  take  his  son  to  call  the  police. 

"  Where  is  he  ? "  asked  Fellows,  not  liking  the  strange 
appearance  of  things  in  the  house,  where  he  had  once 
been  lord  and  master.     "  Where  is  he  ? "  he  repeated. 

"He  was  taken  by  the  police,"  replied  the  other, 
"  tried,  and  hanged." 

"  What  ?  Hubert  hanged  ?  How  did  the  police  take 
him?" 

"  He  and  his  followers  were  hunted  down,  and  all 
taken,  and  the  leaders  were  executed,"  answered  the 
man,  hearing  the  approaching  footsteps  of  the  police- 
men, and  growing  more  bold. 

"  And  who  occupies  these  houses  now  ? "  asked  Fel- 
lows, rising  from  his  chair. 

"  Respectable  people,  who  have  caught  you  in  a  trap  !" 
rephed  the  man,  as  the  door  opened  and  tw^o  poHcemen 
entered. 


290 

"  So  it  appears,"  calmly  remarked  Fellows,  always 
cool  and  ready  for  any  emergency. 

"  What's  wanted  here?''  demanded  the  policemen. 

"  Here  are  two  suspicious  persons,"  said  the  man, 
"they  have  acknowledged  being  acquainted  with  Hubert, 
and  have  come  here  to  see  him,  apparently  ignorant  that 
Hubert  had  been  arrested  and  hanged." 

"  Then  you  are  our  prisoners,"  said  the  policemen, 
turning  to  them,  "  so  come  along  with  us  I"  and  the  po- 
licemen stepped  forward  as  if  to  seize  them. 

At  this  instant  Fellows  touched  a  well-known  spring, 
that  still  remained  as  when  he  had  lived  in  the  house, 
and  quick  as  thought  a  concealed  door  tlew  open,  and 
he  leaped  without  ado  into  the  darkness  below,  and 
Harvey  did  not  fail  to  follow  him.  It  was  done  so  sud- 
denly that  the  policemen  had  not  time  to  arrest  either 
of  them  ;  but  rushing  to  the  trap-door,  they  were  cha- 
grined to  find  it  had  fallen  into  its  place,  and  become  so 
firm  that  they  could  not  re-open  it. 

"  They  are  out-generaled  this  time/'  said  Fellows,  as 
he  touched  the  spring  of  another  door,  that  let  them  out 
into  an  alley  leadinor  to  the  orrand  subterranean  passaore. 

"  I  am  astonished,"  said  the  man  of  the  house  to  the 
policemen,  "  that  such  a  trap-door  is  in  my  floor." 

The  policemen  looked  at  him  suspiciously.  '-  This 
will  not  do,  my  good  man,"  said  their  spokesman,  "  we 
are  not  to  be  taken  in  by  so  silly  a  bait  as  this.  We 
must  arrest  you,  sir." 

"Me!"  cried  the  poor  man,  "I  declare  I  did  not 
know  that  they  could  escape  through  my  floor.  And 
I  was  as  much  astonished  as  yourselves  to  see  them  dis- 
appear. Oh,  my  good  sirs,  don't  arrest  me,  I  am  quite 
innocent  of  all  knowledge  of  the  two  men,  or  the  trap- 
door." 

"  Come  along  with  us  I"  was  the  stern  reply. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  291 

"  Oh,  listen  to  reason  !"  cried  the  man,  while  a  chilly 
sensation  stole  through  his  frame  at  the  thought  of  be- 
ing arraigned  before  a  magistrate  as  acting  in  concert 
with  robbers.  "  If  I  were  guilty  would  1  have  sent  my 
son  to  inform  you  that  there  were  two  suspicious  look- 
ing men  in  my  house  ? " 

"  Sure  enough,"  said  one  of  the  pohcemen,  "he  is  in- 
nocent. But  let's  lose  no  time  searching  for  the  men 
who  are  guilty." 

The  trap-door  was  re-opened  by  means  of  tools,  and 
taking  with  them  lights,  they  descended.  On  reaching 
the  ground,  they  could  discover  no  means  of  egress,  as 
the  other  trap-doors  had  been  arranged  so  artfully  that 
they  could  be  discovered  only  by  breaking  through,  or 
entirely  demolishing  the  partitions. 

In  the  meantime  Fellows  and  Harvey  following  the 
passage  reached  the  river,  and  engaging  a  boat  were 
conveyed  to  the  Retreat,  then  moored  at  buoys  down 
the  stream  towards  Blackwall. 

"  Success  to  our  pursuers  !  They  will  have  to  look 
some  time  before  they  discover  us,"  said  Harvey,  de- 
scending with  Fellows  to  the  little  cabin. 

"  Yes,"  joined  Fellows,  "  and  if  they  are  no.t  very  care- 
ful they  will  never  find  their  way  out  again.  But  I  am 
astonished  that  Hubert  should  have  managed  so  badly 
as  to  be  taken  with  his  followers  by  the  police." 

"  I  am  not  surprised  in  the  least  at  it,"  said  Harvey, 
"  but  wonder  how  you  escaped  their  vigilance  so  long, 
when  you  held  the  position  you  gave  to  Hubert." 

"  I  was  always  on  the  alert." 

"  True  enough,"  said  Harvey,  "  but  the  fact  is,  the 
band  under  any  leader  could  not  have  existed  long  in 
the  midst  of  so  many  people  who  were  opposed  to  it, 
and  I  think  if  you  had  not  abandoned  it  when  you  did, 
you  would  have  shared  the  fate  of  Hubert." 


292  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  And  I  think  it  would  have  been  about  as  well," 
said  Fellows,  "  for  I  am  now  very  unhappy." 

"  You  must  give  over  such  feelings,"  said  Harvey. 

"  I  have  less  power  to  do  so  now  than  before,"  replied 
Fellows.  "  ]\Iy  former  friends  and  associates  have  been 
hung  or  otherwise  punished ;  no  doubt  it  was  through 
my  influence  that  some  of  them  were  led  into  their  evil 
ways ;  I  am  in  some  degree  responsible  for  their  mis- 
demeanors and  consequent  punishment.  Furthermore, 
my  ill-gotten  wealth  which  I  depended  upon  for  future 
happiness,  does  not  give  it." 

"  These  feelings  will  wear  off  by-and  by,"  said  Har- 
vey, and  turning  to  his  state-room,  bade  him  good 
night. 

Fellows  passed  the  night  in  a  wretched  state  of  mind. 
Morning  came,  and  after  breakfast  he  resolved  to  quit 
the  brig  and  London  forever. 

"  Harvey,"  said  he,  "  I  have  thought  of  everything 
through  the  night,  for  I  have  not  slept  a  wink,  and  I 
have  resolved  to  leave  you  forever." 

The  skipper  looked  at  him  to  read  if  he  was  in  ear- 
nest, and  said, 

"  I  hope  not  forever,  my  friend." 

"  Yes,  forever.     I  am  unhappy." 

"  But  seek  the  hand  of  another  lady,  banish  this  one 
from  your  mind,  and  you  wnll  then  be  again  happy." 

"  It  is  not  the  circumstance  of  the  lady  only  that 
makes  me  miserable,  although  if  it  had  not  been  for  that 
I  certainly  would  not  be  so  wretched." 

"  There  are  many  pretty  women  in  this  wide  world," 
observed  Harvey. 

"  I  am  aware  of  that,"  said  Fellows,  "  but  none  like 
/^er." 

"  You  will  think  differently,  my  friend,  when  you  be- 
come in  love  with  another." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  293 

"  Ah  !  I  shall  never  love  another.  My  heart  has  no 
longer  any  tender  emotions  to  waste  on  others.  I  am 
going  to  leave  you.  I  owe  you  some  money,  probably 
half  the  value  of  the  brig,  do  I  not  ?" 

"  Not  as  much  as  that,  my  friend." 

"  Well  then,"  said  Fellows,  "  as  you  have  served  me 
well,  and  as  I  have  always  found  you  worthy,  I  will 
present  you  with  the  brig  as  a  payment  for  your  serv- 
ices." 

"  Oh  !  my  friend,  it  is  too  great  a  present,  but  almost 
valueless  if  you  are  to  leave  me  forever." 

"  There  is  some  money  in  the  room  there  —  that  un- 
fortunate room  —  which  I  wish  you  to  divide  amongst 
the  crew^  of  the  vessel  as  a  token  of  my  esteem  for 
them." 

"  It  shall  be  duly  attended  to." 

"  Now,  Harvey,  I  bid  you  farewell." 

"  Oh,  do  not  here.  Allow  me  to  go  with  you,  or  at 
least  to  accompany  you  through  the  city." 

"  No  I  I  am  unhappy,  and  wish  to  go  alone.  My 
advice  to  you  is  to  seek  an  honorable  employment  with 
your  vessel,  and  never  more  do  as  ive  have  done,  for 
depend  upon  it,  Harvey,  if  you  continue  to  do  wrong, 
your  conscience  will  smite  you  in  the  end.     Adieu  ! " 

Having  thus  spoken,  he  pressed  the  hand  of  his  com- 
panion, and  silently  descended  the  ladder  to  the  boat. 
On  landing  he  threw  a  purse  of  gold  into  the  boat  to 
the  crew,  and  bidding  them  farewell,  entered  a  carriage, 
and  drove  to  Mrs.  Brady's. 

'*  Mother,"  said  he  as  he  entered,  "  I  am  come  to 
visit  you  for  the  last  time.     Are  the  girls  here  yet  ?" 

His  mother  answered  in  the  affirmative. 

"  Then  I  will  not  remain,"  he  rephed,  "  I  have  wronged 
them,  and  all  I  can  now  do  is  to  ask  their  forgiveness, 


29-i  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

but  I  can  not  meet  them  even  for  this,  so  do  you  ask  it 
for  me.  I  shall  now  go  away,  mother,  and  you  will  see 
me  no  more." 

"  Nonsense  ! "  cried  Mrs.  Brady,  "  you  are  talking  at 
random." 

"  I  mean  what  I  say,  mother,  for  where  is  the  use  of 
my  remaining  here  any  longer  ?  I  shall  only  make  you 
as  unhappy  as  I  am  now  myself." 

"  Why  do  you  wish  to  abandon  me  in  my  old  age  ? 
Why  are  you  unhappy  with  your  best  friend  ?  Why 
not  remain  with  me  until  you  marry?" 

"  I  shall  never  marry  !  I  shall  never  look  again  in 
the  face  of  woman.  I  have  treated  one  so  villainously, 
and  she  my  own  sister,  that  I  can  never  forgive  myself." 
And  he  covered  his  face  with  his  hands,  and  sobbed. 

"  But  you  did  not  know  it  was  your  sister,"  said  Mrs. 
Brady,  now  trying  to  console  him,  "  you  did  not  know 
it,  and  she  will  no  doubt  overlook  the  offense.  Come, 
give  over  this  melancholy  mood,  and  forget  the  past  in 
repentance." 

"  I  never  can,"  said  Fellows,  "  I  feel  like  a  lone  and 
friendless  man,  although  surrounded  by  many ;  I  feel 
poor,  although  I  am  wealthy ;  I  feel  and  know  I  am 
wretched.  Mother,  adieu  ! "  and  in  spite  of  her  remon- 
strances to  his  going,  and  her  exertions  to  stay  him,  he, 
with  a  hasty  tread,  reached  the  outer  door,  saying, 
"  Dear  mother,  this  is  the  last  you  will  ever  see  or  hear 
of  me  —  farewell ! "  and  never  afterwards  was  the  singu- 
larly bad  man  seen  or  heard  of  ! 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  295 


CHAPTEE    XXXIII. 

THE  RESIGNATIOX. 

William  Colborn  had  for  a  long  time  been  ipuch  dis- 
pleased with  the  tyrannical  rules  of  the  navy,  and  with 
the  many  unjust  acts  of  the  government.  He  had  often 
been  obliged  to  issue  orders  on  board  ship  that  were 
unjust.  He  had  witnessed  shameful  impositions  of  the 
strong  upon  the  weak,  and  could  enumerate  many  in- 
stances of  plunder  on  the  land,  as  well  as  on  the  sea,  by 
naval  forces.  He  blushed  for  his  country  when  he  read 
of  the  conduct  of  George  the  Third  and  his  ministers 
•toward  the  loyal  inhabitants  of  her  thirteen  colonies  in 
America ;  and  when  harsh  treatment  drove  these  colo- 
nies to  revolt,  he  exulted  in  all  their  successes. 

His  sympathies  had  been  so  strong  with  them  when 
a  boy  at  school,  indeed,  that  had  he  been  a  man  at  that 
time,  he  would  doubtless  have  gone  to  America,  and 
joined  them  in  their  struggle  for  independence.  But 
more  than  all,  he  had  of  late  been  disgusted  with  the 
commanders  of  British  ships  of  war,  on  account  of  their 
arrogant  and  insulting  manner  of  treating  the  officers 
of  American  merchant  ships,  and  because  of  their  press- 
ing from  American  vessels,  seamen  who  were  citizens 
of  an  independent  nation,  acknowledged  such  by  Great 
Britain  herself.  In  the  face  of  this  acknowledgment, 
and  of  a  sacred  treaty  of  peace,  her  fleets  were  even 
then  chasing  American  ships,  and  often  bringing  them 
to ;  and  British  officers  were  in  the  habit  of  lording  it 


296  '        LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

over  American  crews,  in  a  manner  not  only  contrary  to 
the  custom  of  navies  and  nations,  but  in  defiance  of  the 
plainest  demands  of  right. 

Lieutenant  Colbora  could  not  approve  of  those  un- 
just acts  of  his  government.  So  opposed  was  he  to  a 
mean  or  wrong  action,  that  nothing,  even  his  strong 
feehngs  of  patriotism,  could  cause  him  longer  to  assist 
either  directly  or  indirectly  any  tyrannical  acts  of  the 
governmejit. 

He  also  believed  that  nations  and  individuals  ought 
to  observe  their  treaties  and  promises  sacredly,  yet 
England  had  broken  hers  like  threads.  Her  plea  for 
breaking  them  with  France  was  that  the  people  had 
placed  the  talented  Napoleon  at  their  head  instead  of 
submitting  to  the  rule  of  the  imbecile  Bourbon,  Louis ; 
the  former  being  immediately  from  the  people,  and  ple- 
beian ;  the  latter  from  the  oppressors  of  the  people,  but 
royally  begotten.  The  first  an  honorable  man,  and  de- 
scended from  respectable  ancestors  ;  the  other,  a  defiled 
and  detestable  roue,  and  descended  from  a  line  of  royal 
profligates. 

England  has  gained  nothing  by  the  active  part  she 
took  to  restore  the  fallen  Bourbons,  but  on  the  contrary, 
now  finds  when  it  is  too  late,  that  she  acted  wrongly, 
and  can  only  look  back  and  curse  her  ministers  for  in- 
creasing to  a  frightful  sum  an  almost  overwhelming  na- 
tional debt.  And  no  matter  how  much  it  may  be  de- 
plored by  the  friends  of  liberty  that  the  Eirst  Consul  of 
France  ruined  the  cause  of  the  people  and  himself,  by 
sacrificing  all  to  his  ambition,  yet  it  is  plain  that  the  ob- 
ject of  his  enemies  in  all  the  bloody  wars,  before  and 
after  the  treaty  of  Amiens  —  wars  that  will  forever  be 
a  stain  on  the  pages  of  European  history  —  was  the  re- 
placement of  a  Bourbon  on  the  throne  of  France,  there- 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  297 

by  to  crush  the  spirit  of  repubUcanism.  And  although 
forests  of  bayonets,  aided  by  treachery,  after  the  terri- 
ble and  unprecedented  disaster  to  Napoleon  caused  by 
the  snows  of  Eussia,  had  unfortunately  restored  a  Bour- 
bon to  the  throne  of  France  in  opposition  to  the  wishes 
of  the  nation  ;  yet  that  base  act  will  forever  be  a  pow- 
erful argument  against  the  rule  of  such  imbeciles,  and 
against  all  tyrannical  forms  of  government. 

Oh,  France  !  great  France  !  oh  noble  Frenchmen  ! 
you  have  been  wronged,  deceived  !  The  liberties  your 
enemies  enjoy,  they  owe  to  your  great  fathers'  inde- 
pendence and  heroism  in  the  ever  memorable  struggle 
of  1789  ;  for  had  the  Enghsh  Channel  been  as  broad  as 
the  Atlantic  ocean,  the  noble  principles  that  inspired 
tkem  to  accomplish  stupendous  deeds,  would  have 
crossed  the  liquid  abyss,  and  penetrated  the  hearts  of 
the  masses  of  the  people. 

May  you  still  hold  to  what  your  fathers  fought  and 
bled  for,  to  keep  forever  from  your  head  any  but  a  de- 
scendant of  a  greater  than  Caesar,  that  you  may  not 
again  fall  into  the  grade  of  poverty  and  imbecility. 

And  should  you  again  be  molested,  may  you  never 
waver  from  those  principles  your  fathers  maintained, 
but  ever  cling  to  what  God  has  freely  given,  sacred  and 
just  rights  to  man. 

The  Race  Horse  was  now  ordered  to  proceed  to  sea 
to  join  the  squadron  stationed  on  the  American  coast, 
for  the  purpose  of  searching  American  vessels,  and  re- 
claiming deserters  from  England's  navy,  who,  it  was  said, 
had  by  hundreds  joined  the  vessels  of  the  republic. 

The  lieutenant  became  extremely  dissatisfied  at  this 
announcement.  He  would  much  rather  have  gone  on 
another  cruise  in  the  Paeific  in  search  of  mutineers,  rath- 
14 


298  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

er  have  risked  the  sickly  dimate  of  India,  or  have 
veatured  amoagst  the  ice  towards  the  poles,  on  a  voy- 
age of  discovery,  than  to  perform  a  duty  so  very  dis- 
ao^reeable  to  him  as  this  would  be  on  the  American 
station. 

He  had  also  just  had  the  good  fortune  to  meet  Kate, 
and  to  be  torn  from  her  so  soon  was  not  to  be  endured. 
Under  these  circumstances  he  was  sure  it  became  his 
duty  to  resign  unless  he  could*  obtain  a  transfer  to  an- 
other ship  on  another  station.  He  made  the  applica- 
tion, but  as  he  could  produce  no  satisfactory  reason  for 
such  a  change,  it  was  not  granted.  Had  his  request 
been  complied  with,  there  is  no  doubt  that  he  would 
have  remained  in  the  navy  longer. 

Having  weighed  well  the  matter  in  his  own  mind,  he 
at  length  made  his  final  decision,  and  wrote  a  letter  con- 
taining his  resignation  to  the  admiralty,  and  abandoned 
the  service  forever. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  299 


CHAPTER    XXXIV. 

THE    NEW    HOME. 

No  news  had  yet  reached  Mr.  Pederson  of  his  daugh- 
ter's safety.  He  still  mourned  her  loss,  although  in  the 
very  agreeable  society  of  his  friends  at  the  village,  at 
times  his  heart-felt  grief  was  partially  forgotten. 

Tired  of  the  inactive  life  he  was  leading,  he  began  to 
think  of  looking  about  him  to  see  if  he  could  not  find 
some  kind  of  business  to  occupy  his  mind.  He  did  not 
succeed  at  first,  but  at  length  the  thought  occurring  to 
him,  that  it  would  be  a  good  pastime  to  try  some  agri- 
cultural pursuit,  he  inquired  if  there  could  not  be  ob- 
tained a  small  tract  of  land  in  or  about  the  village  at  a 
reasonable  price. 

A  small  farm  some  four  miles  distant  was  said  to  be 
for  sale,  and  he  resolved  to  look  at  the  said  property, 
the  first  opportunity.  Mentioning  the  matter  to  a  friend 
who  was  well  acquainted  with  the  value  of  land,  the 
two  procured  a  carriage,  and  drove  over  to  see  the 
place.  It  was  a  pleasant  drive  from  the  village  to  the 
old  farm-house,  which  was  situated  on  the  western  part 
of  the  farm,  and  distinctly  seen  from  any  part  of  Esk. 
The  old  house  did  not  seem  very  inviting  ;  it  was  much 
out  of  repair  externally,  and  did  not  seem  much  better 
within. 

In  looking  around  nearly  all  of  the  land  was  shown 
to  be  uncultivated,  and  many  parts  of  it  were  quite  bar- 
ren.    The  eastern  portion  was  swampy,  with  here  and 


300  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

there  a  hill  partly  enshrouded  with  woods;  but  the 
timber  to  all  appearance  was  of  little  value,  and  indeed, 
the  entire  farm,  unless  a  considerable  sum  should  be  laid 
out,  and  a  great  deal  of  manual  labor  expended  upon  it, 
in  clearing  up  the  woods,  and  draining  the  sw^ampy  por- 
tions, could  not  be  expected  to  be  at  all  productive. 
But  around  the  old  house  were  a  few  patches  of  land 
which  were  cultivated,  and  seemed  to  be  of  more  value 
than  all  the  rest.  Mr.  Pederson  shook  his  head  as  with 
his  friend  he  wandered  from  one  part  to  another. 

"  It  is  cheap  enough,"  said  he,  "  and  in  fact  it  ought 
to  be,  for  everything  looks  to  be  almost  wild." 

"  It  has  been  neglected,  very  much  neglected,  in  fact 
has  been  suflered  to  go  to  wreck,"  said  his  companion 
as  he  looked  around,  but  with  far  different  ideas  of  its 
value  from  those  of  Mr.  Pederson.  "  However,"  ex- 
claimed he,  "  labor  and  some  little  expense  would  put 
things  all  to  rights  again." 

"  It  would  require  too  much  labor  and  too  much  ex- 
pense," said  Mr.  Pederson,  "  for  me  to  undertake  to 
clear  it  up." 

"  I  thought  you  wanted  to  labor,"  remarked  his  com- 
panion, "  for  you  have  been  complaining  about  being 
idle  for  some  time,  and  as  for  expense,  I  do  not  think 
money  would  be  lost  in  laying  it  out  on  this  farm,  but 
on  the  contrary,  I  think  it  would  be  a  good  investment." 

"  You  do  ?"  said  Mr.  Pederson  in  astonishment,  '•'  and 
how  would  you  think  of  laying  out  money  here  ? " 

"  Well,  in  the  first  place,  a  thousand  pounds  would 
make  a  different  looking  house  from  that,  and  clear  up 
all  around  the  gardens,  and  make  new  hedges." 

"  A  thousand  pounds  !"  exclaimed  Mr.  Pederson,  "  a 
thousand  pounds  is  a  large  sum  to  be  laid  out  on  an  old 
house  and  its  gardens." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  301 

"  Bat  supposing  that  when  a  thousand  are  spent  upon 
it,  the  property  becomes  two  thousand  pounds  niore 
valuable  ?"  observed  his  companion. 

"  And  do  you  think  such  would  be  the  case  ?"  asked 
Mr.  Pederson. 

"  I  do,  sir." 

"  Then  you  approve  of  purchasing  the  property  ?" 

"  Yes,  providing  you  want  a  farm  like  this,"  said  the 
other,  "  for  you  never  could  get  one  cheaper." 

"  But  fifty  acres  seems  to  be  much  more  than  I  want. 
I  only  require  a  small  piece  of  ground." 

"  But  what  signifies  it  so  long  as  you  get  it  cheap  ! 
Have  you  any  objection  to  becoming  possessed  of  more 
wealth  than  you  now  have  ? " 

"  Of  course  not,"  replied  Mr.  Pederson  with  a  smile. 
"  But  do  you  really  think  the  farm  is  cheap  at  the 
price } " 

"  As  cheap  as  dirt,  sir.  Besides  when  you  ofier  to  lay 
down  a  thousand  for  it,  I  am  of  opinion  that  they  will 
take  it." 

After  some  further  deliberation,  the  price  having  been 
reduced  considerably,  he  purchased  the  farm. 

Carpenters  were  soon  at  work  at  the  old  house,  and 
laborers  at  the  gardens  and  around  the  grounds,  and 
under  Mr.  Pederson's  superintendence,  things  soon  as- 
sumed a  better  aspect,  while  the  mind  of  the  new^  pro- 
prietor became  more  and  more  at  ease. 

However,  even  the  change  from  a  fife  of  idleness  to 
one  of  industry  could  not  erase  the  image  of  his  lost 
daughter  from  his  memory,  and  he  passed  many  hours 
in  silent  grief.  Upon  one  of  these  occasions  of  depres- 
sion, a  letter  was  handed  him,  and  on  opening  it,  he 
found  that  it  was  penned  by  his  darling  Kate !  He 
read  and  re-read  its  contents,  and   was  so  overjoyed 


302 


LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


that  he  hardly  kneAV  what  he  was  about.  But  he  at 
once  concluded  to  visit  London,  and  that  as  soon  as 
possible,  to  meet  his  beloved  daughter. 

When  he  entered  the  stage  that  was  to  convey  him 
to  London,  it  was  remarked  that  he  appeared  to  look 
ten  years  younger  than  he  did  that  morning.  He  ar- 
rived in  London,  and  found  the  house  of  Mrs.  Brady. 
Kate  and  Rose  of  course  were  overjoyed  to  see 
him  !  They  rushed  towards  him,  exclaiming,  "  Father ! " 
"  Master  !■'"  Mr.  Pederson!"  The  old  man  did  not 
speak,  but  clasped  his  daughter  to  his  heart,  and  burst 
into  tears. 

At  length  he  placed  his  hands  upon  her  head,  and 
gave  thanks  to  his  Creator  for  thus  blessing  him  with 
the  restoration  of  his  child.  Kate,  also,  did  not  fail  to 
utter  a  silent  prayer  of  thanksgi\nng  that  their  re-union 
had  been  brought  about,  and  Mrs.  Brady  and  Rose 
joined  with  them. 

Next  to  the  joy  of  this  happiness,  Mr.  Pederson  ex- 
perienced much  pleasure  in  the  societ}'  of  his  old  friend, 
Mrs.  Brady,  whom  he  had  not  had  the  pleasure  of  meet- 
ing for  many  years.  On  the  following  day  the  two  old 
friends  were  seated  for  a  long  time  in  earnest  conversa- 
tion upon  past  scenes  and  events,  and  Rose  inquired 
roguishly  of  Kate,  if  they  were  not  in  love  with  each 
other. 

"  Nonsense  ! "  exclaimed  Kate,  rather  piqued  at  her 
maid's  presumptuousness,  "  father  will  never  marry 
again.  They  are  old  friends,  and  their  respective  fami- 
lies resided  in  the  same  house  for  many  years,  and  were 
upon  very  intimate  terms.  But  although  they  may  not 
be  in  love,  I  know  one  I  think  who  is  ! " 

"  Who  may  it  be  ?"  asked  Rose. 

"  Yourself ! "  was  the  reply. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  303 

"  Me  !  Miss  Pederson  ! " 

"  Yes,  you  !  You  think,  perhaps,  I  have  not  noticed 
how  quickly  you  have  taken  to  Martin." 

"Why!  Miss  Pederson  !" -and  Rose's  plump  neck 
turned  crimson,  and  no  doubt  her  face,  but  that  could 
not  be  seen,  for  she  had  turned  away  from  her  mis- 
tress.    J 

Kate  was  in  reality  a  mistress  to  Rose,  but  she  sel- 
dom showed  her  authority  over  her,  as  Rose  had  been 
long  in  the  family,  was  kind,  and  never  attempted  to  be 
too  familiar ;  and  then  fate  had  so  lately  thrown  them 
together  as  prisoners  under  such  peculiar  circumstances, 
that  they  had  necessarily  become  somewhat  familiar  in 
their  conversation  with  each  other. 

"  You  have  no  occasion  to  turn  from  me  and  blush 
so.  Rose,"  said  Kate,  "  for  I  can  assure  you  I  approve 
of  your  attachment.  He  is  a  fine,  honest  man,  and  no 
doubt  would  make  you  a  good  husband." 

"  Husband  !  Miss  Pederson  !  You  don't  think  I  wish 
a  husband  ! " 

"  All  w^omen  do,  ijou  are  not  an  exception,"  was  the 
reply. 

"  But  /have  a  good  home  with  you,  and  do  not  wish 
to  leave  it." 

Kate  smiled  at  the  artful  manner  her  maid  avoided 
an  acknowledgment  of  her  affections,  and  considering  it 
natural,  made  no  further  observation. 

Martin,  servant  to  Colborn,  was  a  trusty  man,  and 
much  confidence  was  placed  in  him  by  his  master.  He 
had  accompanied  William  to  Mrs.  Brady's  only  twice, 
yet  he  had  not  failed  to  look  into  Rose's  bright  eyes, 
nor  had  she  into  his,  and  that  mysterious  language  that 
speaks  in  the  countenance  had  informed  them  that  each 
loved  the  other. 


304  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

Colbora  was  ushered  into  the  parlor  where  he  was 
soon  joined  by  Kate. 

At  this  time  Martin  stood  in  the  hall  chatting  with 
Rose,  and  although  he  was  quite  reserved  in  his  ad- 
dresses to  her,  yet  the  blushes  came  to  her  face,  as  if 
she  were  guilt}"  of  a  misdemeanor  in  loving  him. 

"William  had  invited  his  intended  bride  to  visit  the 
Tower  and  other  places  of  amusement,  and  as  with  a 
light  heart  she  bounded  out  of  the  parlor  to  make  her 
toilet,  she  came  unexpectedly  upon  the  lovers  in  the 
hall.  Rose  endeavored  to  escap'e  towards  the  kitchen, 
and  Martin  walked  hastily  out  of  the  door  and  closed 
it  behind  him. 

"  Now,  Rose  !  I  have  caught  you  !''  said  Kate  with 
a  smile.  "  Yon  don't  fall  in  love  !  You  don't  want  a 
husband,  for  you  have  a  good  home  with  me  !  ha  !  ha ! 
But  I  am  glad  to  see  it,  only  it  is  really  a  pity  you  must 
stand  here  in  the  hall,  when  there  are  so  many  rooms  in 
the  house.  A  room  is  more  appropriate,  so  I'll  ask  per- 
mission for  you  to  invite  your  beau  into  a  room,  that 
you  can  do  your  courting  in  a  respectable  manner  !" 

"  As  you  do.  Miss  Pederson.*' 

"Mrs.  Brady!  Mrs.  Brady!"  cried  Kate,  "Rose 
wishes " 

"  Oh  !  Miss  Pederson  !  would  3'ou  expose  me  ?  " 

"  Xo,  Rose,  I  will  not.  I  see  that  I  am  going  too 
far  with  the  joke.  But  do  not  be  alarmed  to  have  tne 
meet  you  with  your  lover,  for  I  will  not  oppose  the 
match." 

Rose  did  not  speak,  but  a  look  of  gratitude  was  not 
unnoticed  by  her  mistress. 

As  Kate  was  adjusting  her  toilet  for  the  visit  to  the 
Tower,  she  could  not  but  contrast  her  situation  now, 
with  what  it  had  been  but  two  weeks  previous,  and 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  305 

having  again  thanked  Providence  for  her  escape,  and 
asked  devoutly  for  future  protection,  she  descended,  and 
having  been  assisted  into  a  carriage  by  her  lover,  was 
whirled  away  through  crowded  streets,  yet  they  were 
alone. 

The  carriage  reached  Tower-Hill,  and  she  requested 
to  stop,  having  a  serious  curiosity  to  see  the  place  where 
so  much  blood  had  been  unnecessarily  spilt;  where  so 
many  innocent  heads  had  been  severed  from  their  bodies 
for  the  maintenance  of  crowns  and  religious  supersti- 
tion. 

Before  them  rose  that  combination  of  castles,  turrets, 
spires,  and  fortifications,  encircled  by  its  walls  and 
moats,  and  truly  had  it  a  solemn  aspect  in  their  sight, 
as  the  many  cruel  acts  committed  therein  flashed  across 
their  minds. 

They  drove  to  the  moat,  crossed  the  bridge,  and  con- 
ducted by  a  guide,  entered  the  armory  department, 
where  were  statues  encased  in  steel,  representing  the 
sovereigns  and  leading  warriors  of  England  for  cen- 
turies back.  The  dungeon  that  for  twelve  long  years 
had  contained  the  person  of  Sir  Walter  Raleigh  was  an 
object  of  peculiar  tfnd  melancholy  interest  to  them. 

Next  they  were  shown  to  the  apartment  where  were 
kept  the  crown  jewels.  That  such  immense  wealth  should 
be  kept  merely  to  look  at,  did  really  seem  a  pity.  Then 
they  entered  the  torture-room.  Worse  and  worse ! 
William  and  Kate  wished  to  see  no  more.  They  were 
disgusted,  and  left  immediately  for  Mrs.  Brady's. 

"  And  so  I  suppose  we  are  to  go  to  Plymouth  no 
more,  father,"  said  Kate  on  the  following  morning,  as 
they  arose  from  the  breakfast-table.      "  Plymouth   is 
Dot  to  me  what  it  once  was." 
14* 


3D6 

"  No,  my  dear,  I  do  not  think  I  shall  ever  get  over 
the  feeling  of  antipathy  which  I  experienced  on  being 
landed  there  after  that  awful  scene  on  board  the  Nancy. 
Besides,  I  am  so  well  pleased  with  Esk  and  my  farm, 
that  I  am  sure  I  shall  never  wish  to  remove  again." 

"  Is  the  house  large  ?"  she  asked,  "  is  it  airy  and 
roomy,  or  is  it  low-roofed  and  contracted,  like  our  old 
house?" 

"  The  house  is  large  enough,  my  dear,  but  plain, 
quite  plain.  A  country  house  with  rural  comforts,  but 
when  you  see  it,  you  will  be  pleased,  I  am  sure." 

'^  Oh  !  I  long  to  see  it  so  much,  father.  I  think  I 
shall  be  pleased  with  a  country  life." 

When  the  time  arrived  for  their  departure,  Kate  an- 
nounced to  her  father  that  she  could  not  persuade  Mrs. 
Brady  to  accompany  them. 

Mr.  Pederson  regretted  this,  as  he  had  expected  that 
she  would  spend  several  weeks  with  them  at  Esk, 
but  as  she  had  not  traveled  so  for  for  many  years,  she 
could  not  be  persuaded  to  leave  London. 

The  carriage  was  ordered  to  convey  them  to  Green- 
wich, where  they  were  to  take  the  stage  for  the  inte- 
rior. 

On  reaching  the  stage  office  at  Greenwich,  Colborn 
and  Martin  were  observed  waiting  to  see  them  off,  and 
to  say  farewell.  The  time  for  the  starting  of  the  stage 
was  nearly  up,  but  William  used  that  little  to  the  best 
advantage,  by  promenading  with  Kate  on  the  green  in 
front  of  the  office. 

Martin  dared  not  be  so  bold,  but  now  and  then  he 
walked  toward  Eose  as  if  determined  to  offer  his  arm, 
or  say  something  to  her,  yet  his  courage  was  not  equal 
to  the  emergency. 

The  time  soon  came  round  for  the  coach  to  depart ; 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  307 

Kate  was  assisted  into  it  by  "William,  and  as  Mr.  Pe- 
derson  invited  him  to  visit  them  soon,  Kate  observed 
Rose  looking  disconsolately,  and  cried  out,  "  Be  sure  to 
bring  Martin  with  you ! " 

Farther  conversation  was  cut  off  by  the  announce- 
ment, "  Stage  ready!"  and  they  drove  off. 

The  outskirts  of  the  village  of  Esk  became  visible 
from  the  stage  as  it  ascended  a  hill  on  the  fourth  day 
after  their  departure  from  Greenwich.  The  old  gentle- 
man smiled  as  he  looked  at  those  well-known  hills.  The 
coach  moved  on,  and  presently  his  house  could  be  seen 
at  a  distance,  and  he  pointed  it  out  to  his  daughter  and 
Eose. 

They  beheld  a  cottage  surrounded  by "" trees,  and  sit- 
uated apparently  upon  an  eminence.  An  elevated 
plain  appeared  beyond  it,  as  having  on  its  north  border 
a  hill,  beyond  which  was  an  extensive  wood,  and  on  the 
south  a  pond  with  here  and  there  a  tree  upon  its  edge. 

"  What  a  delightful  place!"  exclaimed  Kate,  "and 
oh  !"  she  continued,  as  they  came  in  sight  of  Esk,  "  what 
a  beautiful  village ! " 

"How  do  you  like  the  appearance  of  things  here, 
Rose  ?"  asked  Mr.  Pederson,  highly  pleased  to  find  that 
his  daughter  was  so  delighted. 

"  Very  much,  sir,"  she  replied  respectfully,  "  but  any 
place  would  suit  me  where  you  and  Miss  Pederson 
are." 

"  And  where  Martin  is  to  be,"  said  Kate,  casting  a 
sidelong  glance  at  Rose. 

Rose  colored,  and  was  about  to  speak  when  Mr.  Pe- 
derson interrupted  her  by  saying, 

"  What's  this  about  Martin  ?" 

She  remained  silent,  but  placing  her  forefinger  on  her 
lips,  looked  earnestly  at  her  mistress. 


308  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

Kate  understood  her — ''Don't  you  tell"  —  and  an- 
swered her  father  that  Martin  would  no  doubt  come 
with  his  master. 

"  Oh,  yes  !  of  course  he  will,"  said  he,  "  but  here  we 
are  at  the  village." 

The  coach  drove  up  to  the  inn  and  stopped,  and  kind 
friends  met  them  and  proffered  their  hospitalities,  but 
after  partaking  of  a  sumptuous  dinner  with  his  old 
friend,  the  host,  they  entered  Mr.  Pederson's  own  car- 
riage, and  whirled  away  by  his  high-spirited  horse,  soon 
reached  the  farm-house. 

"  I  have  slept  out  here  but  twice,"  said  he,  "  I  prefer- 
red being  at  the  inn  with  my  friend,  rather  than  here 
alone,  but  now  that  you  are  with  me,  I  shall  be  most 
happy  to  remain  here.  The  furniture  and  all  my 
things,  as  well  as  yours,  arrived  some  time  ago,  and  all 
that  remains  to  do  is  to  put  them  to  rights." 

In  a  few  days  the  good  house-keeping  qualities  of 
Kate  and  Eose  had  arranged  the  furniture,  carpeting, 
bedding,  wardrobes,  crockery,  etc.,  so  tastefully  that 
all  parts  of  the  cottage  looked  cosey  and  inviting. 

The  house  was  of  one  story,  but  large  on  the  ground. 
In  the  front  which  faced  the  south,  a  small,  tasty  portico 
protected  the  principal  entrance,  up  the  sides  of  which 
ran  a  thick  foliage  of  woodbine,  which,  climbing  un- 
der and  over  and  uniting  above,  ascended  and  spread 
over  the  roof  of  the  cottage,  far  above  the  attic  win- 
dows. 

On  the  right  was  a  room  of  more  than  ordinary  di- 
mensions, considering  the  size  of  the  building.  It  was 
simply  furnished,  having  a  plain  carpet,  a  stand  on  which 
were  arranged  the  Bible  and  other  books,  and  at  either 
end  a  large  arm-chair,  a  sofa,  a  mirror,  a  few  chairs, 
and  window  hangings  of  tasty  muslin. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED. 


309 


On  the  left  was  a  room  furnished  with  equal  plain- 
ness of  the  same  size. 

On  the  north  was  an  addition,  where  the  floor  of  the 
kitchen,  with  frequent  scrubbing,  was  almost  white  as 


snow. 


A  door  on  each  side  of  this  addition  opened  into  the 
clean,  grassy  yard,  which  was  divided  only  from  the 
vegetable  garden  by  a  thick  hedge.  Different  kinds  of 
fruit  trees  spread  their  waving  branches  over  the  nu- 
merous flower  beds  in  the  front  yard,  which  was  also 
surrounded  by  a  thick  hedge. 

The  road  leading  to  the  village  ran  past  the  cottage 
quite  convenient.  There  was  a  tine  view  in  nearly  all 
directions  from  the  windows,  and,  taken  all  together,  it 
was  as  pleasant  a  spot  as  could  have  been  selected, 
and  the  girls  were  highly  pleased  with  their  new 
home. 


310  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


CHAPTEE    XXXV. 

THE    DISCOVERY. 

"Winter's  cold  blasts  had  passed  away,  and  the  green 
grass  and  all  kinds  of  vegetation  had  begun  to  spring 
up,  as  if  glad  again  to  bring  forth  for  the  benefit  of 
pan. 

Thousands  of  birds  that  had  flon^n  far  south  to  escape 
the  frigidity  of  the  winter  season,  had  now  returned, 
and  were  singing  in  sweet  tones  their  songs  of  thank- 
fulness that  the  spring-time  of  flowers  and  love  had 
come  again ! 

Kate  and  Kose  had  been  anxiously  wishing  for  the 
appearance  of  their  lovers,  and  time  always  passes  heav- 
ily with  those  who  are  waiting  some  expected  pleasure. 

"  Here  comes  father  at  last,"  said  Kate,  in  a  tone  of 
disappointment  as  she  walked  toward  the  window, 
"  and  alone  !     I  declare  it  is  too  bad." 

"  Whars  too  bad  ?"  asked  Rose. 

"  Oh,  nothing!"  replied  she  peevishly. 

Rose  laughed  and  bounded  into  the  kitchen. 

Kate  met  her  father  at  the  door,  and  assisted  him  off 
with  his  coat;  she  had  hoped  that  he  would  not  come 
home  alone,  but  in  that  she  was  disappointed. 

"  Come,  Rose  !  put  the  tea-things  on  the  table." 

"  What's  the  matter,  Kate  ?"  asked  Mr.  Pederson  as 
they  seated  themselves  at  the  table,  ''  you  appear  quite 
sad.  And  you,  Rose,  you  appear  dejected.  What's  the 
matter  ?  " 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  311 

The  roll  of  an  approaching  carnage  put  a  stop  to  fur- 
ther conversation  ;  it  drew  up  at  the  door,  and  Colborn 
and  his  servant  descended,  and  it  is  hardly  necessary  to 
say  that  all  signs  of  sadness  instantaneously  left  the  fea- 
tures of  Miss  Pederson  and  her  maid,  and  were  replaced 
by  pleasant  and  happy  smiles. 

Kate  received  William  in  the  parlor,  while  Martin 
ran  around  the  house,  and  entered  the  kitchen.  Rose 
met  him  with  such  a  winning  smile  that  he  was  tempted 
to  kiss  her,  but  here  again  his  courage  was  not  equal  to 
the  task,  so  he  only  shook  her  hand,  while  she  thought, 
"  what  a  fool  he  must  be  to  think  I  would'nt  let  him." 

"  You  are  just  in  time,"  said  Mr.  Pederson,  as  he 
shook  William  heartily  by  the  hand,  "  come  this  way, 
and  take  a  seat  at  the  table." 

After  tea  he  was  shown  through  the  house,  every 
part  of  which  was  as  neat  as  a  perfect  house-keeper  like 
Kate  Pederson  could  make  it.  Then  he  and  Kate 
sauntered  through  the  garden  to  survey  the  flower-beds, 
and  finally  seated  themselves  under  a  favorite  tree, 
where  they  might  enjoy  a  quiet  tete-a-tete  and  the 
country  air  undisturbed, 

Eose  meanwhile  took  the  liberty  to  seat  Martin  oppo 
site  herself  at  the  tea-table,  and  they  enjoyed  themselves 
as  cosily  as  if  the  cottage  belonged  to  them.  Hav- 
ing finished  their  supper.  Rose  put  aw^ay  the  tea-things, 
and  taking  a  pail  on  her  arm,  went  out,  saying  to  Mar- 
tin, "  I  am  going  to  milking." 

"  And  where  is  the  cow  ?" 

"  In  the  pasture." 

"  Shall  I  assist  you  to  find  her  ?" 

A  good-natured  "  As  you  please,"  was  her  reply. 

Martin  at  first  dared  not  follow  her  for  fear  of  being 
seen  by  his  master  and  the  other  folks,  but  Rose  looked 


312  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

back  so  earnestly  that  he  could  not  refrain.  He,  how- 
ever, took  another  direction,  as  by  entering  the  wood 
and  taking  a  circuitous  route  he  could  meet  her  beyond 
the  plain. 

"  I  wonder  he  does  not  come  after  me,  I  almost  asked 
him  to,  but  yet  he  is  so  veiy  odd,  so  full  of  fear  and 
bashfulness  that  it  is  really  provoking.  Yet  I  think  he's 
in  love  with  me,  his  actions  sometimes  betray  it.  What 
can  I  do  to  let  him  know  that  tivo  are  in  love  !  But  I 
must  lessen  my  pace  or  I  shall  get  out  of  sight  of  the 
house.  Now  how  a  man  can  be  so  dull  as  to  refuse  to 
take  a  hint  without  a  kick,  I  really  can  not  see,  yet  so 
it  is.  But  if- he  ever  looks  at  me  again  so  loving  as  he 
did  to-day,  I  will  kick  him  till  he  takes  — " 

"  Who's  that  you  are  going  to  kick?"  cried  Martin, 
as  he  emerged  from  a  thicket  beside  her. 

"  Oh  !  ah  !  why  the  cow  !"  replied  Rose  with  a  laugh, 
"  for  she's  always  far  from  the  house  when  I  wish  to 
milk  her." 

"  But  I'll  find  her  for  you,"  said  Martin,  wishing  to 
make  a  sort  of  apology  for  his  appearance. 

"  Thank  you,"  said  the  maid,  "  and  I'll  do  as  much 
for  you  sometime."  And  they  proceeded  across  the 
plain  towards  the  pond. 

''  We  expected  Mr.  Colborn  two  days  ago,"  said  Rose. 

"  Did  you  ?     And  did  you  look  for  me  also  ?" 

"  See  those  ducks  there  on  the  pond,"  said  Rose, 
wishing  to  evade  a  direct  answer,  "  don't  they  sit  pretty 
on  the  water?" 

"  Oh,  yes  !  and  here  is  a  boat  too  !  Can  we  not  row 
in  her  ?" 

"  Yes;  I  often  do,  and  so  does  Miss  Pederson.  It 
is  a  nice  amusement,  and  as  the  water  is  not  deep,  it  is 
quite  safe  to  venture  out  upon  the  pond." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  313 

The  boat  was  a  short,  wide  affair,  well  calculated  to 
row  about  in  shoal  water,  and  seating  themselves  on  the 
thwarts,  and  each  taking  an  oar,  they  propelled  her  from 
the  shore. 

"  When  I  am  on  the  water,"  said  Eose,  "  I  always 
think  of  ray  imprisonment  on  board  of  that  hated  ves- 
sel." 

"  It  must  have  been  awful,"  answered  Martin,  resting 
his  oar,  "  the  rascal  ought  to  have  been  hanged." 

"  Hush  !"  said  Rose,  "  he  is  Miss  Pederson's  brother, 
and  she  wishes  the  circumstance  to  be  mentioned  no 
more." 

"  But  he  is  not  your  brother.  Rose,  and  — " 

"  Still,"  said  she,  interrupting  him,  "  still  I  do  not  wish 
his  name  mentioned  again." 

"  Then,"  said  he,  "  if  you  wish  it,  let  the  subject  drop." 

They  chased  the  ducks,  pulled  the  boat  from  shore 
to  shore,  splashed  the  water  with  their  hands,  and  then 
returned  on  shore.  The  cow  was  found  and  milked, 
and  as  it  was  not  yet  quite  dark,  Rose  seated  herself 
upon  the  ground  to  rest,  while  Martin  walked  to  and 
fro  by  her  side,  talking  about  this  and  that  and  almost 
everything  but  what  she  wanted  to  hear. 

"  What  do  I  care,"  she  thought,  "  about  trees,  hedges, 
clouds,  sky,  and  all  this  !  I  wish  he  would  tell  me  he 
loves  me." 

But  he  did  not  seem  to  know  that  he  was  backward, 
but  actually  thought  he  was  doing  the  amiable  in  pay- 
ing every  proper  respect  to  the  fair  maiden. 

"  How  does  your  hat  look  on  my  head?"  said  she,  as 
she  took  it  from  his  hand,  and  adjusted  it  over  her  thick 
braids  of  hair. 

"  It  becomes  you  w^ell,"  replied  he,  as  he  stepped 
back  to  view  her. 


314  LIETTTEXAXT  COLBOKN", 

"  I  declare  the  man's  a  fool !'_'  said  she  to  herself,  as 
she  threw  back  his  hat,  and  arose  to  depart,  "  he's  a  real 
dunce,  and  I'll  not  love  him  any  more,  I  declare  I  will 
not,"  and  she  pouted  in  silence  on  their  way  back  to  the 
cottage,  and  as  they  entered  it,  a  cheerful  laugh  from 
their  master  and  mistress,  who  were  walking  among 
the  trees,  told  them  that  they  were  noticed. 

But  however  Martin  and  Kose  might  get  along,  Kate 
had  no  reason  to  complain  of  a  want  of  tokens  of  affec- 
tion from  her  lover. 

Meantime  Mr.  Pederson  was  very  much  engaged  in 
tilHng  the  ground,  and  making  improvements  about  the 
house  and  garden.  He  had  hired  farm  laborers,  and 
purchased  a  team  and  all  necessary  farming  utensils, 
and  appeared  quite  happy  with  his  new  pursuit. 

He  was  often  far  away  from  the  house,  either  on  one 
part  of  his  land  or  another,  and  although  he  did  little 
or  no  work  himself,  he  took  great  pleasure  in  superin- 
tending everything. 

In  the  course  of  his  improvements,  his  attention  was 
devoted-  to  the  woody  portions  of  his  farm,  and  he  com- 
menced here  and  there  felling  trees,  and  clearing  up  the 
land  to  be  planted  in  future  seasons. 

Himself  and  two  hired  men  were  eno^aofed  in  fellinor  a 
tree  one  morning.  The  laborers  were  taking  turns 
at  the  "axe,  and  Mr.  Pederson  sat  ui^on  a  stump  near 
at  hand. 

"  Wait  a  little,  my  good  men,  and  rest ;  it's  hard  work 
to -swing  an  axe,"  said  Mr.  Pederson. 

"  By  Jove  !  but  this  is  a  tough  tree,"  said  one  of  the 
men,  passing  the  axe  to  his  companion. 

"  Tough  !"  said  the  other,  also  taking  a  seat  at  the 
invitation  of  his  emploj^er,  "  I  never  saw  but  one  tree  as 
hard  as  this,  and  that  they  gave  up,  and  let  her  stand." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  315 

"  But  we  can  not  give  up  this  one,"  said  Mr.  Peder- 
son,  "  for  it  is  in  our  way,  and  must  be  removed." 

"  Well,  then  !  here  goes  again,"  said  the  one. with  the 
axe,  and  sending  it  deeper  into  the  wood  at  every  stroke, 
chip  after  chip  told  materially  upon  the  huge  butt  of 
the  tree. 

"  What  kind  of  an  oak  is  this  ?  "  asked  the  old  gen- 
tleman. 

"  Black  oak,  sir,"  answered  the  striker,  "  and  as  hard 
as  lignum  vitse,"  and  whetting  his  hands,  he  recommenced 
at  the  task. 

"  This  is  an  old  tree  ?"  observed  Mr.  Pederson. 

"  Yes,  sir,  older  than  either  of  us,"  said  one  of  the  la- 
borers. 

"  To  what  age  do  you  imagine  a  tree  lives  ?  "  asked 
the  other. 

"  For  centuries.  T  have  seen  a  tree  that  is  known  to 
have  existed  for  two  centuries,  and  I  am  of  opinion  that 
some  trees  are  capable  of  enduring  the  ravages  of  time 
for  a  much  longer  period." 

"  By  thunder !  "  said  the  striker,  as  a  cut  showed  the 
heart  bf  the  tree,  "  a-half-o'-ye  is  under,  and  here  goes 
for  the  first  chip  from  the  other  side." 

At  last  they  reached  the  heart  on  that  side  also. 

"  YoLi  had  better  walk  away,  Mr,  Pederson,  for  it  is 
difficult  to  say  which  way  it  will  fall,"  said  one  of  the 
men. 

The  old  gentleman  walked  away  to  the  distance  of  a 
few  hundred  feet,  and  took  a  seat. 

In  a  few  minutes  that  huge  trunk  that  for  a  century 
had  scarcely  moved,  tottered  as  if  balancing  to  keep  its 
upright  posture,  then  fell  to  the  ground  with  a  tremen- 
dous crash,  its  immense  limbs  catching'against  and  bear- 
ing down  the  branches  of  other  trees  that  stood  in  its  way. 


316  LIEUTENANT  COLBOKN, 

"  She's  down  at  last,"  said  one  of  the  men  as  he  leaped 
upon  the  trunk  just  above  where  it  had  splintered  at  its 
base. 

"  But  what  is  this?"  asked  Mr.  Pederson  as  he  came 
up,  ''  A  pistol,  as  I  live  !  " 

"  And  here's  another  in  this  hollow  here  !"  and  as  he 
spoke  he  mounted  the  tree  and  walked  along  its  body. 

"  Good  heavens  ! "  cried  the  men  in  surprise,  "  pistols 
in  this  tree  !     "What  can  it  mean  ?  •' 

"  By  Jupiter  !"  exclaimed  the  old  gentleman,  "here's 
money!"  and  as  he  spoke  he  reached  his  hand  into  the 
hole,  and  took  out  a  piece  of  gold  and  a  little  package. 

The  trio  stared  at  each  other  in  great  astonishment. 

"  By  the  city  of  Perth  !  "  cried  Mr.  Pederson  in  still 
greater  amazement,  "  here  are  diamonds  !" 

•'  Diamonds  I "  exclaimed  the  men  simultaneously,  gazing 
with  wonder  upon  the  sparkling  brilliants  before  them. 

"  Cut  down  here,"  said  the  old  gentleman,  "  and  let 
us  reach  the  bottom  of  the  hollow." 

They  began,  and  as  the  cavity  was  near  the  sur- 
face it  was  soon  penetrated,  and  as  it  was  opened  all 
along,  the  treasures  deposited  there  by  Fellows  and 
Fletcher  were  all  discovered.  Having  taken  them  from 
the  tree,  they  proceeded  to  the  cottage. 

All  were  of  course  very  much  astonished,  and  won- 
dered who  could  have  concealed  them  there,  but  finally 
it  was  conceded  it  must  have  been  done  by  robbers. 

The  packages  were  all  opened,  and  disclosed  to  Tiew 
rings,  bracelets,  breastpins,  etc.,  studded  with  diamonds 
of  great  value.  And  wiien  taken  to  the  cottage,  all 
was  commotion,  as  may  well  be  presumed,  and  soon 
the  news  spread  far  over  the  country  of  the  strange 
manner  in  which  Mr.  Pederson  had  become  a  wealthy 
man. 


OR  THE   DISINHERITED.  317 


CHAPTER    XXXVI. 

THE    MARRIAGE. 

The  sun  rose  on  the  morning  of  the  first  of  June, 
180-  throwing  his  golden  rays  uninterrupted  by  a  cloud, 
upon  the  village  of  Esk,  the  surrounding  hamlets,  hills, 
and  plains. 

The  family  of  Mr.  Pederson  were  no  longer  in  bed, 
for  the  happy  day  that  had  been  determined  upon  for 
the  marriage  of  William  and  Kate  had  arrived.  It  was 
early,  yet  no  appearance  within  the  walls  of  the  house 
showed  that  the  inmates  had  just  arisen,  for  every  room 
had  been  swept,  every  bed  re-made,  and  the  furniture 
dusted  and  polished. 

Eose  and  the  assistant  cook  w^ere  busy  making  prep- 
arations for  the  marriage  breakfast,  that  was  to  come 
off  at  noon,  and  the  arrival  of  friends  and  other  unusual 
occurrences,  gave  an  appearance  of  extraordinary  cheer- 
fulness to  the  house  and  household. 

Taking  a  peep  into  Kate's  chamber,  we  see  everything 
neatly  arranged.  The  bed  and  window  curtains,  cov- 
erings of  the  toilet  stand  and  chairs,  are  of  spotless 
white  dimity,  the  carpet  green  and  white  of  a  delicate 
pattern,  fresh  bouquets  tastefully  arranged  by  Kate's 
own  hands  are  placed  here  and  there  about  the  room ; 
the  bridal  dress  is  thrown  across  the  bed,  and  orano^e 
blossoms  preparatory  for  the  bridal  toilet. 

The  lovers  had  been  previously  disturbed,  and  very 
much  disappointed,  in  their  matrimonial  preparations, 


318  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

but  all  obstacles  had  been  overcome,  and  now  no  bar- 
riers interfered  with  their  coming  nuptials.  At  the  hour 
of  nine  the  carriages  that  were  to  convey  the  small  bri- 
dal party  to  the  village  church  had  arrived. 

WilUam  waited  upon  Kate  from  the  house,  and  placed 
her  tenderly  in  the  carriage. 

Her  -two  child-like  bridesmaids,  grand-daughters  of 
two  of  her  father's  old  friends  of  the  village,  followed, 
attended  by  two  young  gentlemen  as  groomsmen,  who 
were  officers  in  the  navy  and  friends  of  William. 

Mr.  Pederson  and  a  few  of  his  old  friends  and  school- 
mates next  followed. 

As  they  neared  the  village,  the  notes  of  the  marriage 
bells  fell  pleasantly  upon  their  ears ;  and  soon  the  church 
inwhichthe  ceremony  was  to  be  performed  was  reached. 

Never  did  bridegroom  look  more  happy  than  William, 
and  never  bride  more  loving  and  lovely  than  Kate  as 
he  led  her  to  the  altar.  She  was  dressed  with  her  nat- 
ural elegant  taste,  in  a  white  silk,  covered  with  rich, 
light  lace  with  veil  to  match,  which  was  attached  to  a 
delicate  wreath  of  orange  blossoms. 

None  of  the  rich  jewels  she  had  lately  been  presented 
with  did  she  w^ear,  excepting  the  necklace  and  bracelet, 
selected  from  the  costly  set  of  pearls  William  had 
brought  her  as  a  bridal  present,  which  adorned  her 
rounded  white  neck  and  arms. 

We  have  said  that  she  was  "  exceedingly  beautiful," 
but  now  with  her  cheeks  flushed  by  the  excitement  of 
the  occasion,  contrasting  with  her  snow-white  skin,  with 
her  clear,  bright  eyes  (those  true  indices  of  perfect 
health  ),  flashing  with  unusual  luster  from  beneath  their 
long,  dark  lashes,  with  her  heaving  bosom  expanded  far 
beyond  her  small  tapering  waist,  she  appeared  if  pos- 
sible more  lovely  than  ever  before. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  819 

Never  did  clergyman  join  the  hands  of  two  whose 
hearts  were  more  fondly  united,  and  as  William  proud- 
ly led  her  from  the  altar  as  his  own,  many  were  the 
whispers  that  reached  his  ears,  "  Is  she  not  beautiful !" 
"  Does  she  not  look  truly  angelic  ! "  "  Is  he  not  a  noble 
looking  man?"     "  Are  they  not  a  fine  couple  ?" 

The  carriages  rolled  away  from  the  church  and  vil- 
lage, conveying  their  light  hearts  back  to  the  cottage. 
Here  the  bridal  breakfast  awaited  them,  and  after  par- 
taking of  it,  and  receiving  the  congratulations  of  friends, 
the  bride  changed  her  hght  apparel  for  a  substantial 
traveling  dress,  and  the  newly  married  couple  left  the 
cottage,  and  started  upon  their  bridal  tour,  which  was 
to  extend  to  the  continent. 

They  proceeded  on  the  grand  route  for  London, 
w^here  they  arrived  in  safety,  and  took  a  suit  of  rooms 
at  one  of  the  first  hotels. 

Once  when  he  was  in  a  deep  reverie,  his  affectionate 
wife  watched  the  expression  of  his  eyes,  and  entwining 
her  arms  around  his  neck,  asked  him  in  kind  and  feel- 
ing words,  if  aught  troubled  him. 

"  No,  dear,  I  was  only  thinking  that  if  my  parents 
could  have  the  opportunity  of  but  once  seeing  you,  they 
would  forgive  all." 

"  Oh,  William !  with  all  the  devotion,  which  amounts 
to  idolatry,  I  have  for  you,  it  cannot  compensate  for  the 
great  sacrifice  you^have  made  for  me;"  and  bending 
over  him,  weeping,  her  flowing  curls  fell  upon  his  face. 

"Talk  not  thus,  dearest  Kate,"  said  he  earnestly, 
'never  say  again  that  I  have  made  a  sacrifice,  but  ra- 
ther that  I  am  unworthy  of  such  a  lovely  woman  as 
yourself." 

"  My  happiness,  dear  husband,  is  more  than  I  could 
have  expected.     When  I  look  back   upon   our  very 


320  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

eventful  career  of  love,  and  think  of  the  vicissitudes 
through  which  we  have  passed,  think  how  great  have 
been  the  obstacles  to  our  union,  and  how  much  has 
been  done  to  annoy  us,  I  am  unable  to  express  my 
thanks  for  my  present  happiness." 

"I  am  also  truly  thankful,"  rejoined  her  husband, 
"  for  our  present  happiness,  but  darling,  promise  never 
again  to  mention  sacrifice  to  me." 

And  thus  they  conversed  ;  passing  their  honeymoon 
in  happiness  such  as  none  but  true  lovers  ever  experi- 
ence. 

Mr.  Colborn  and  his  bride  entered  a  private  box  at 
the  Italian  opera,  upon  the  occasion  of  the  appearance 
of  a  celebrated  star.  STie,  at  the  request  of  her  doating 
husband,  had  decorated  herself  in  a  complete  set  of 
diamonds,  and  as  her  French  dressing-maid  clasped  the 
bracelets  on  her  wrists,  she  declared  that  they  were  the 
most  elegant  brilhants  she  had  ever  seen. 

Slight  blushes  suffused  the  pretty  features  of  the 
youthful  bride  upon  finding  herself  the  object  of  admi- 
ration by  many  in  different  parts  of  the  theater ;  an  ad- 
miration w^hich  in  frequent  cases  found  expression  in 
wcTrds  loud  enough  for  her  to  hear. 

General  Colborn  and  wife,  with  Melissa,  occupied  a 
box  opposite,  and  turning  their  opera  glasses  upon  the 
object  of  general  attraction,  to  their  great  astonishment 
discovered  by  her  side  their  disinherited  son  ! 

"  Who  can  she  be  } "  asked  Mehssa,  as  Kate's  dia- 
monds flashed  back  the  ra3^s  of  the  numerous  lights  in 
that  vast  apartment,   and  dazzled  by  their  brilliancy. 

"  I  can  not  imagine,"  replied  her  mother,  putting  her 
powerful  opera  glass  to  her  eyes,  "  but  she  is  very  beau- 
tiful, and  has  upon  her  person  more  brilliants  than  a 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  321 

princess  displays  on  a  reception-day.  She  must  be 
of  some  family  that  possesses  the  wealth  of  Croesus. 
We  must  ascertain  who  she  is,  and  seek  her  acquaint- 
ance." 

"But  I  can  not  understand,"  said  Melissa,  "  why 
our  WilHam  should  be  her  escort." 

"  I  can  not  say,"  observed  her  mother,  "  but  she  is 
really  queen-like.  Oh,  how  I  wish  William  had  se- 
lected a  lady  like  her,  instead  of  the  low  and  poverty- 
stricken  one  he  did." 

"  Mr.  North,"  whispered  Melissa,  "  do  you  see  my 
brother  ?  " 

"I  do  not.     Is  he  here?" 

"  He  is !  In  that  rich  lady's  box  there,  and  we  wish 
to  know  who  she  is." 

North  looked  a  second  time  at  the  lady  through  his 
glass,  and  could  scarcely  believe  his  eyes.  "  I  am  as- 
tounded," said  he,  in  a  low  voice.  "  Can  it  be  possible  ! 
And  yet  it  is  so  !  That  lady  is  the  Inn-keeper'' &  daugh- 
ter T 

Mrs.  Colborn  turned  ghastly  pale  at  this  announce- 
ment, Avhile  Melissa  looked  again  and  again  through  her 
glass,  and  the  general  turned  uneasily  from  side  to  side 
on  his  seat. 

"  I  was  sure,"  said  the  arrogant  mother,  "  that  Will- 
iam would  never  have  selected  her,  had  she  not  been 
far  superior  to  the  generality  of  her  class  ;  for  notwith- 
standing his  singular  principles,  he  always  had  a  taste 
of  exquisite  refinement." 

"  He  has  certainly  selected  a  very  beautiful  lady," 
said  the  general,  "  and  I  must  say,  judging  from  her  ap- 
15 


322  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

pearance,  she  is  far  superior  to  either  Arabella  or  El- 
len." 

"  Mother  !  may  I  not  go  around  with  Mr.  Xorth,  and 
see  her  and  brother  William?" 

"  No,  daughter  !  for  it  would  not  do  under  existing 
circumstances ;  it  would  be  an  acknowledgment  of  our 
approval  of  his  selection,  after  all." 

Mr.  Colborn  did  not  choose  to  inform  his  bride  how 
near  they  were  to  his  parents  and  sister,  fearing  it 
w^ould  cloud  her  brow  now  w^reathed  with  happiness, 
and  at  the  close  of  the  performance,  he  led  her  to  his 
carriage,  and  departed  as  if  he  had  not  observed  their 
presence. 

The  newly  w^edded  pair  soon  departed  for  Holland, 
and  made  arrangements  to  remain  some  time  at  the 
Hague,  and  thence  intended  to  proceed  up  the  beautiful 
Khine. 

Colborn  had  selected  this  part  of  Europe  in  which 
to  spend  a  portion  of  the  season,  owing  in  part  to 
the  fact,  that  the  principles  supported  here  were  con- 
genial w^ith  his  own,  for  the  old  provinces  of  the 
Netherlands  were  still  under  a  republican  form  of 
government,  which  had  been  adopted  in  1795,  in  imi- 
tation of  the  late  French  government  under  the  Direc- 
tory. 

It  was  at  this  time  that  the  wonderful  military  abili- 
ties of  the  modern  Caesar  had  developed  themselves  as 
surrounded  by  his  talented  seconds,  Ney,  Mireau,  Mes- 
sina, Launes,  Soult,  Berthier,  Davoust,  St.  Cyr,  Vic- 
tor, Murat,  McDonald,  Kleber,  Disain,  Jordan,  An- 
gereau,  and  other  great  leaders  of  his  republican  col- 
umns, he  flew  from  city  to  city,  and  country  to  cou-n 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  323 

try,  hurling  ruin  into,  and  dispersing  the  columns  of 
royalty. 

It  was  at  .this  time,  that  tyrants,  nobles,  and  aristo- 
crats, those  props  of  monarchical  governments,  trembled, 
for  the  people  had  the  advantage. 

The  marching  and  counter-marching  of  republican 
armies  from  one  part  of  long-enslaved  Europe  to  an- 
other, spreading  the  principles  of  liberty  and  justice, 
proclaimed  that  from  the  people  should  emanate  power, 
that  monarchs  are  but  men. 

It  was  at  this  time  that  Napoleon,  that  prodigy  of 
talent,  directed  his  genius  and  mighty  influence  for  the 
good  of  the  masses  of  mankind,  and  undermined  the 
unjust  tyranny  of  kings  and  their  oppressive  laws,  that 
for  centuries  had  been  continually  trampling  upon  the 
rights  of  the  people.  It  was  at  this  time  that  he  caused 
a  free  worship  of  God,  and  protected  that  unfortunate 
class  that  for  centuries  had  been  driven  from  place  to 
place,  and  without  a  country,  the  persecuted  Jews.  Ifc 
was  at  this  time  the  great  conqueror  was  the  people's 
friend,  for  self-aggrandizement  had  not  yet  caused  him 
to  betray  them,  and  his  name,  like  those  of  Washington 
and  Kosciusko,  remained  unsullied, — as  yet  he  had  not 
forgotten  himself,  as  yet  he  had  not  fallen  from  his  high 
position  of  the  protector  and  friend  of  mankind,  to  a 
monarch. 

Of  course  a  man  of  Wilham  Colborn's  political  views 
could  scarcely  avoid  feeling  very  much  interested  in  the 
great  struggle  thus  going  on  between  right  and  wrong, 
freedom  and  slavery,  republicanism  and  monarchy. 
Carried  away  with  enthusiasm,  he  would  indeed  have 
joined  the  republican  armies  at  once,  but  was  checked 
at  the  thought  that  the  cause  to  be  espoused  was  against 


324  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

England,  and  much  as  he  had  become  disgusted  with 
her  government,  he  would  not  appear  in  arms  against 
his  country. 

Actuated  by  these  feelings,  he  remained  neutral,  yet 
continued  to  reside  in  the  revolutionary  parts,  where 
for  the  present  we  will  leave  him  with  his  lovely  bride 
happy  with  her,  as  she  with  him. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED. 


325 


CHAPTEE    XXXVII. 

THE    UNFORTUNATE    STEP. 

It  had  been  very  gay  of  late  at  Mount  Prospect. 
Melissa's  marriage  had  been  celebrated  with  great  eclat^ 
and  followed  by  a  series  of  grand  balls  and  other  enter- 
tainments, and  amidst  so  much  brilliant  company  the 
absent  was  forgotten,  for  the  Colborns  still  seemed  to 
think  more  of  rank  and  high  connections  than  of  the 
disinherited  son. 

Sir  James  Lester,  as  I  have  before  stated,  was  an  in- 
timate friend  of  Sir  William,  and  their  families  were 
also  on  very  intimate  terms.  It  was  but  two  days  after 
one  of  these  grand  entertainments  at  Mount  Prospect, 
that  the  carriage  of  Sir  James  dro've  up  to  the  mansion, 
and  its  owner  descended  therefrom  with  a  greater  de- 
gree of  alertness  than  usual. 

It  was  singular  that  he  should  call  so  soon  after. 
He  was  received  by  Sir  William  with  cordiality,  and 
led  into  the  presence  of  the  ladies.  After  the  usual 
civilities  and  a  short  conversation,  be  begged  of  Mrs. 
Colborn  and  Mrs.  North  to  excuse  him,  as  he  wished  to 
speak  of  business  matters  in  private  with  Sir  William. 
The  gentlemen  arose  to  leave  the  room,  and  Mrs.  Col- 
born smiled  and  remarked,  "  Pohtics,  I  know,"  and  they 
made  their  way  to  the  study  and  took  seats.  After  a 
few  preHminary  remarks,   Sir  James  ran  his  fingers 


326  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

through  his  hair,  and  -with  an  aliem^  said  that  he  had 
been  informed  by  his  steward,  that  his  finances  were  in 
rather  &  enabarrassing  condition  just  now,  which  placed 
him  in  an  awkward  position. 

"  I  can  sympathize  with  you,"  said  Sir  "Wilham ;  "  the 
panic  caused  by  this  war  has  almost  stagnated  trade, 
confidence  appears  to  waver,  and  all  suflfer  from  the 
stringency  of  the  money  market  more  or  less." 

"  It  is  too  true,  my  dear  Sir  "William,  too  true,  for 
upon  inquiry,  I  find  that  I  can  not  realize  on  my  real 
estate,  unless  I  have  the  name  of  a  man  of  known  wealth 
and  honor  like  yourself  upon  my  paper." 

Sir  William  knew  little  about  business,  and  as  his 
friend  was  well  known  to  be  one  of  the  most  wealthy 
men  in  the  vicinity,  being  possessed  of  two  large  estates, 
besides  landed  property  in  Ireland  by  right  of  his  wife, 
he  did  not  consider  it  necessary  to  consult  his  agent 
upon  the  subject. 

"  Of  course,"  said  he,  "  I  am  always  ready  to  oblige 
my  old  tried  friend,  and  therefore  my  dear  Sir  James, 
just  let  your  steward  draw  up  the  paper,  and  I  will  give 
it  my  signature." 

Sir  James  thanked  him,  highly  pleased  that  his  re- 
quest had  not  been  denied,  and  changed  the  subject  to 
pohtics,  his  favorite  topic,  and  after  an  hour's  conversa- 
tion, he  arose,  and  having  bade  the  ladies  adieu,  de- 
parted much  happier  than  he  came. 

"  Now,"  thought  he,  "  I  shall  be  free  from  the  per- 
plexing position  I  have  unfortunately  been  in  ever  since 
the  commencement  of  this  money  crisis." 

Upon  his  arrival  home,  he  instructed  his  steward  to 
draw  up  the  necessary  document  (specifying  a  large 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  327 

amount),  and  take  the  same  to  Sir  William  Colborn  for 
his  signature.  The  steward  looked  surprised,  but  said 
nothing.  Having  drawn  up  the  document  in  due  form, 
he  entered  a  carriage,  and  directed  the  coachman  to 
Mount  Prospect. 

"  Is  it  possible,"  said  he  to  himself,  "  that  Sir  Wilham 
can  be  so  perfectly  bhnd  as  to  sign  this  paper  ?  can  it 
be  possible  that  he  does  not  know  that  he  will  thus  be- 
come security  for  the  large  sum  on  its  face  ?  And 
should  Sir  'James's  property  be  attached,  and  he  become 
insolvent  —  egad!  and  I  am  of  opinion  that  such  will 
soon  be  the  case  —  that  the  endorser  may  be  looked  to 
for  pa3^mcnt; — but  it  is  no  affair  of  mine,  they  ar- 
ranged the  business  themselves,  and  Sir  James  is  my 
employer,  and  not  Sir  Wilham." 

He  arrived  at  the  mansion,  was  waited  upon  into  th^ 
library,  and  presently  the  general  appeared, 

"  I  presume,"  said  the  general,  "  that  you  require  my 
signature  to  some  document  ?" 

"  Sir  James  has  sent  me  here  for  that  purpose,  sir." 

"  Let  me  see  it." 

The  steward  took  it  from  his  pocket,  and  presented 
it.  Sir  William  looked  it  over,  placed  it  before  him  on 
the  table,  reached  for  a  pen,  and  saying,  "  it  is  a  very 
large  amount,  but  I  suppose  it  is  all  right,"  signed  the 
fatal  instrument. 

The  steward  sprinkled  some  sand  over  the  signature, 
folded  it  up,  placed  it  carefully  in  his  pocket,  and  bid- 
ding Sir  William  good  day,  departed.  As  the  carriage 
drove  down  the  passage,  he  looked  on  either  side  at  the 
wealthy  estate,  and  concluded  that  the  time  would  soon 
come  when  it  would  become  the  property  of  another. 


328 

He  alone  "knew  to  what  an  extent  Sir  James's  prop- 
erty was  involved,  and  although  the  paper  he  held 
w^ould  assist  in  averting  the  coming  blow  for  the  pres- 
ent, unless  there  should  take  place  some  miraculous 
change  in  monetary  aflfairs,  ruin  to  both  parties  must 
come  in  the  end  ! 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  329 


CHAPTEE    XXXVIII. 

THE    WILL. 

As  the  bright  and  glorious  day  cannot  last,  but  must 
be  followed  by  night,  as  serene  and  warm  summer  must 
be  succeeded  by  the  cold  blasts  of  winter,  so  must  life 
blessed  by  comforts  and  happiness  be  followed  by  the 
shadow  of  death. 

The  winter  had  set  in  unusually  severe,  and  spread 
over  the  cottage  and  the  country  about  the  village  of 
Esk,  his  snowy  sheets,  and  the  gusts  of  the  northwest 
wind  broke  against  the  cottage  at  times  with  fearful 
power. 

Mr.  Pederson  had  unfortunately  taken  a  very  severe 
cold,  which  settled  into  a  pleurisy,  that  confined  him  to 
his  bed. 

The  family  physician  was  called,  and  used  his  best 
endeavors  to  master  the  disease,  but  medicines,  blisters, 
the  lancet,  and  all  the  remedies  that  science  could  sug- 
gest, were  used  in  vain.  The  old  gentleman  suffered 
much  for  many  days,  his  system  had  become  so  reduced 
that  the  powerful  remedies  that  at  first  had  been  re- 
sorted to  could  no  longer  be  used.  Another  physician 
was  called,  and  after  a  deliberate  consultation,  they 
declared  that  there  was  no  longer  any  hope  of  his  re- 
covery. 

Mr.  Pederson,  when  informed  of  the  decision,  calmly 
15* 


330  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

said  he  was  prepared  to  go ;  but  earnestly  desired  that 
his  daughter  should  be  informed  of  his  illness  as  early 
as  possible,  that  he  might  see  her  once  more  ere  he 
should  go  hence  forever.  But  the  request  could  not 
bring  her  in  time,  as  she  was  still  on  the  continent. 

He  gradually  sank,  and  upon  the  fourth  day  after 
the  consultation  of  the  physicians,  was  no  more  ! 

Poor  Kose  stood  weeping  by  his  bedside,  and  even 
while  his  eyes  were  fixed  upon  her,  he  ceased  to  breathe  ! 
The  good  man  had  passed  through  this  world  of  trouble, 
and  his  soul  had  no  doubt  reached  a  better. 

The  packets  running  between  London  and  Rotter- 
dam were  frequently  several  weeks  in  making  a  trip  in 
the  winter  season,  and  it  was  not  till  nearly  four  v^-eeks 
after  the  demise  of  Mr.  Pederson  that  his  daughter 
reached  the  cottage.  She  did  not  have  the  opportu- 
nity of  following  the  remains  of  her  father  to  the  grave, 
she  had  not  been  near  him  to  cheer  him  in  his  last  hours, 
and  hence  she  felt  his  loss  the  more  bitterly. 

But  although  her  orphan  heart  was  pierced  with 
grief,  there  still  remained  to  her  a  protector,  a  consoler, 
on  whom  she  might  rely  at  all  times,  in  the  person  of 
her  husband. 

The  will  of  the  deceased  made  James  Green,  Esq.,  of 
Plymouth,  his  sole  executor,  and  this  gentleman  at  once 
proceeded  to  make  the  necessary  arrangements  required 
by  law  and  custom  relative  to  the  property.  By  the 
returns  of  the  appraisers  it  was  shown  that,  exclusive  of 
the  fortune  discovered  in  the  tree,  the  property  of  the 
deceased  amounted  to  a  sum  far  exceeding  the  expecta- 
tions of  any  of  his  friends.  By  economical  habits,  a 
careful  attention  to  business  for  more  than  forty  j^ears, 
and  interest  accumulating  upon  interest  in  judicious  in- 


OR  THE  DIBINHERITED.  331 

vestments,  he  had  acquired  nearly  thirty  thousand 
pounds.  Then,  the  value  of  the  diamonds  etc.  discov- 
ered in  the  tree  was  found  to  be  much  greater  than  had 
ever  been  anticipated,  for,  after  deducting  all  expenses, 
it  amounted  to  more  than  two  hundred  and  thirty  thou- 
sand pounds.  Here  was  a  fortune !  Two  hundred 
and  sixty  thousand  pounds  !  "What  a  wealthy  heiress 
our  heroine  had  become  !  How  just  had  been  the 
reward  in  this  instance  of  the  virtuous  and  the  good. 
By  the  will  of  the  deceased,  nearly  all  of  this  immense 
fortune  fell  to  Kate. 

The  will  ran  as  follows  : 

I,  George  Pederson,  of  Plymouth,  Devonshire  Coun- 
ty, England,  being  in  good  health  and  sound  mind  — 
thank  God  —  do  declare  this  to  be  my  last  will  and  tes- 
tament. 

I  bequeath  to  my  son  Henry  Pederson  my  watch, 
gun,  and  books. 

I  give  to  my  son  George  Pederson,  junior  (who  was 
adopted  by  Mrs.  Sarah  Brady  when  an  infant,  and  has 
taken  the  name  of  Brady),  my  honest  name,  and  may 
he  never  forsake  or  disgrace  it. 

To  my  only  daughter  Catherine  Pederson,  I  bequeath 
my  furniture,  bedding,  etc.,  and  the  portraits  of  her 
parents. 

I  bequeath  to  Mrs.  Sarah  Brady,  widow  of  the  friend 
of  my  youth,  John  Brady,  of  London,  the  sum  of  four 
hundred  pounds  sterhng,  to  be  taken  from  any  portion 
of  my  property  that  my  executor  may  think  best,  and 
to  be  paid  as  early  as  possible  after  my  demise. 

I  give  to  my  faithful  servant  Rose,  four  hundred 
pounds  sterling,  and  recommend  her  to  the  care  of  my 
daughter. 


332  LIEUTENANT,  COLBORN, 

I  will  to  the^Poor-House  Asylum  at  Plymouth,  to  be 
used  directly  for  the  benefit  of  the  destitute,  the  sum  of 
one  hundred  pounds. 

The  balance  of  all  my  property,  both  real  and  per- 
sonal, that  I  now  or  may  hereafter  possess,  I  bequeath 
to  my  surviving  children,  to  be  equally  divided  amongst 
them. 

I  appoint  my  old  friend  James  Green,  Esq.,  of  Ply- 
mouth, my  sole  executor  in  case  of  my  demise  before 
either  of  my  children  becomes  of  age,  or  in  case  of  there 
being  no  surviving  issue ;  but  in  case  there  is  one  or 
more  children,  of  age,  known  to  be  living,  and  resident 
in  England,  that  oldest  child  shall  be  the  executor  or 
executrix  as  the  case  may  be. 

As  compensation  for  all  trouble,  time,  and  expense 
that  may  be  caused  to  my  executor  or  executrix,  I  wish 
him  or  her  to  be  remunerated  from  my  property,  irre- 
spective of  family  or  friendly  feeling.  I  revoke  all  form- 
er wills,  and  declare  this  only  to  be  my  last  will  and 
testament.  In  witness  whereof,  I  have  to  this  my  last 
will  and  to  its  two  duplicates  placed  my  hand  and  seal 
this  19th  day  of  March,  179-. 

George  Pederson. 

Signed,  sealed,  and  published,  by  the  testator  as  his 
last  will  and  testament,  before  us  as  witnesses. 

Rurus  Barney. 
Hugh  Parker. 
George  Turner. 

Done  at  Plymouth,  England,  March  19th,  179-. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  333 


CHAPTER    XXXIX. 

THE    FALL. 

When  Sir  William  Colborn's  agent  heard  that  his 
employer  had  become  security  for  Sir  James  Lester 
for  a  heavy  amount,  he  could  hardly  credit  it,  as  it  was 
the  practice  of  Sir  William  to  consult  him  upon  all  im- 
portant business  matters.  But  as  the  report  had  come 
from  good  authority,  he  feared  it  might  be  true.  "  I 
hope  it  is  not  true,"  said  he  to  himself,  as  he  paced  the 
floor  of  his  office,  "  but  yet  he  may  have  been  taken  in 
by  Sir  James's  sharp  steward.  He  should  have  con- 
sulted me  upon  such  an  important  afiair  —  affairs  of 
which  he  knows  nothing  about.  It  becomes  my  duty 
to  see  him  at  once.  I'll  ride  over  to  Mount  Prospect, 
although  I  declare  it  is  a  disagreeable  subject  to  intro- 
duce, as  Sir  William  is  quite  singular  upon  such  mat- 
ters. However,  I  must  get  this  anxiety  off  my  mind, 
even  ifldo  offend  him." 

He  drove  to  Mount  Prospect,  and  as  he  entered  he 
met  the  general  in  the  hall. 

"  How  do  you  do?"  said  Sir  William,  extending  his 
hand.  "  Glad  to  see  you  !  walk  in  !  have  not  seen  you 
for  some  time." 

"  I  regret  the  fact  very  much,"  said  the  agent,  as  he 
threw  off  his  overcoat,  and  .entered  the  warm  library. 

"Why  so?" 


334  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 


The  agent  shrugged  his  shoulders. 


"  Why  so  ?"  repeated  the  general,  eyeing  him  with 
a  look  that  savored  of  commingled  anxiety  and  curi- 
osity. 

"  I  have  reasons,  sir,"  he  answered,  "  but  fear  to  of- 
fend if  I  state  them." 

"  What  are  your  reasons  ?  I  know  you  would  not 
interfere  impertinently  with  my  affairs  —  speak  out." 

"  Well,  sir,  I  have  been  informed  that  you  have  taken 
a  step  that  you  may  hereafter  regret." 

"  How  so  ?  What  step  ?  Speak  out,  man  !  What 
dg  you  mean  ?" 

"  I  am  told  that  Sir  James  Lester  has  your  name  upon 
his  paper  as  security  for  a  large  amount." 

"  Well,  and  what  of  that  ?  "  said  the  general  sharply. 
"  Do  you  think  1  can  not  use  my  judgment  in  a  business 
transaction  without  consulting  you  ?" 

*'  I  hope  Sir  William  does  not  think  for  a  moment 
that  I  came  here  to  intrude  upon  his  privacy,  or  to  act 
in  any  way  in  opposition  to  his  wishes,"  and  the  agent 
made  a  motion  as  if  about  to  go. 

"  I  think  you  mean  well  towards  me,  at  least,"  said 
Sir  William,  ''  but  what  about  Sir  James's  paper  ?" 

"  Well,  sir,  that  is  just  what  I  have  come  to  ascertain. 
I,  feeling  an  interest  in  your  welfare,  am  anxious  to 
know  if  the  report  I  have  heard  that  you  have  become 
Sir  James's  security  for  a  large  amount  is  true  ? " 

"  I  have  done  so." 

The  assent  looked  res^retful. 

"  But  why,"  continued  the  general,  "  should  you  dis- 
approve of  the  act  when  you  know  that  Sir  James  is 
so  wealthy  ^  " 

The  sharp  man  of  business  looked  him  full  in  the  face, 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  335 

and  very  meaningly  and  calmly  answered,   "he  is  re- 
'ported  to  be  very  wealthy." 

"  Then  do  you  not  think  he  is  so  ?" 

"  I  am  sorry  to  say  I  do  not,  sir." 

"  Oh  !  I  have  no  fears,  no  fears  about  it,"  exclaimed 
Sir  "William,  bracing  himself  up,  and  striding  hastily  to 
and  fro. 

"  I  hope,  for  your  sake,  there  is  no  cause  for  fear,"  said 
the  agent,  and  after  some  further  conversation  of  a  sim- 
ilar tenor,  he  departed. 

In  the  course  of  a  few  wrecks  there  were  circumstances 
that  gave  reasons  to  suppose  that  the  agent's  surmises 
were  about  to  be  realized,  for  Sir  James  Lester  was  re- 
ported to  be  insolvent,  and,  in  short,  on  the  first  of  Jan- 
uary affairs  at  Mount  Prospect  became  sadly  changed. 
Sir  James's  creditors  not  being  able  to  save  themselves 
on  his  property,  had  come  upon  his  bondsman,  and  Sir 
"William's  property  was  attached  to  make  their  claims 
good ;  and  the  general  so  lately  wealthy  was  reduced 
to  poverty.  The  elegant  mansion,  the  fine  estates,  were 
all  taken  from  him,  even  his  half  pay  as  a  general  in  the 
army  was  claimed  by  his  creditors,  and  himself  and  lady 
were  dependent  upon  the  generosity  of  their  friends  to 
maintain  them. 

Sir  William  took  these  sad  misfortunes  very  much  to 
heart  as  might  have  been  expected,  and  the  grief  of  his 
haughty  lady  knew  no  bounds.  Indeed,  so  terrible  was 
the  calamity  to  her  that  at  one  time  she  was  not  ex- 
pected to* survive  it.  However,  there  appeared  to  be 
no  alternative,  and  preparations  were  made  for  leaving 
Mount  Prospect  and  removing  to  the  West  End  to  re- 
side with  their  daughter,  Mrs.  North. 

It  was  a  sorrowful  day  for  them  when  at  length  they 


336  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

entered  their  son-in-law's  carriage,  and  left  the  proud 
mansion  that  had  been  so  long  in  the  family  ! 

Of  course  many  censured  Sir  "William  for  signing  the 
fatal  paper  without  first  consulting  his  agent,  who  would 
have  warned  him  of  his  error,  and  thus  have  averted 
his  ruin;  while  much  blame  was  given  to  Sir  James 
and  his  steward  for  taking  advantage  of  Sir  Wilham's 
friendly  generosity,  and  while  many  pitied  the  Colborns 
for  their  great  fall,  others  said  it  served  them  right  for 
their  unfeeling  and  unnatural  treatment  of  their  only 
son. 

Melissa  endeavored  to  console  her  parents  in  their 
adversity,  but  in  vain.  How  could  they  meet  the  proud 
families  they  had  so  often  met,  and  so  often  entertained 
as  guests  at  their  mansion  ?  The  general's  pride  being 
thus  stricken,  he  refused  to  appear  in  society,  but 
mourned  in  solitude,  while  his  lady  grieved,  if  possible, 
still  worse,  and  took  to  her  bed. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  337 


CHAPTEE    XL. 

THE    RECONCILIATION. 

"When  the  news  recounted  in  the  previous  chapter 
reached  the  cottage,  William  Colborn  and  his  lady  were 
as  much  grieved  as  they  were  astonished,  and  although 
he  had  certainly  been  treated  in  a  most  cruel  man- 
ner by  his  parents,  yet  as  he  read  the  advertisement  of 
Mount  Prospect  for  sale  by  auction,  and  realized  what 
a  severe  blow  it  must  be  to  his  proud  parents,  his  heart 
melted,  and  he  walked  to  a  window  as  if  to  look  out,  to 
conceal  from  his  wife  the  tears  that,  in  spite  of  his  man- 
ly exertions,  started  from  his  eyes. 

He  continued  standing  at  the  window  in  deep  con- 
templation when  the  hand  of  his  wife  was  laid  softly  on 
hjs  shoulder.  She  entwined  her  arms  fondly  about 
him,  and  feelingly  said,  "  Do  not  mourn,  my  dear 
WilUam,  for  your  parents'  misfortune,  for  it  might  have 
been  even  worse." 

"  I  do  not  mourn  for  the  loss  of  the  mere  property," 
said  he,  "  but  I  grieve  to  think  of  the  harrowing  feel- 
ings my  parents  must  have  to  contend  with  in  having 
our  old  homestead  go  from  the  possession  of  the  Col- 
born family." 

"  If  that  is  all,"  said  Kate,  "  it  can  easily  be  remedied : 
you  can  purchase  it  with  a  portion  of  the  wealth  my 
dear  father  left  us." 


838 

He  pressed  her  still  closer  to  his  bosom,  and  exclaimed, 
"  Dear  Kate  !  noblest  of  your  sex  !  how  can  you  so 
readily  forgive  my  parents,  who  have  so  slighted  you  ?" 
"  I  never  yet  have  censured  your  parents  for  refus- 
ing to  receive  me  into  their  family  —  it  is  quite  natural 
for  the  rich  to  ignore  the  poor  —  but  I  have  thought  and 
still  do  think  that  their  treatment  to  you^  their  son,  has 
been  unnatural." 

"  And  yet,"  continued  her  husband,  ''  you  would  have 
me  forgive  them  even  after  having  treated  me  so  un- 
kindly." 

"  Most  certainly,"  she  answered,  "  for  they  are  your 
parents.  Oh  !  William,  cherish  your  parents  while  you 
have  them.  I,  alas !  have  none.  My  dear  father  has 
been  taken  from  me,  and  had  I  not  my  dear  husband 
to  lean  upon,  how  friendless  I  should  be  !"  and  as  she 
spoke,  she  burst  into  tears.  "  My  poor  mother,"  con- 
tinued she,  "  was  called  hence  when  I  was  quite  young, 
but  3^et  I  can  remember  well  her  many  acts  of  kindness 
to  me,  and  although  years  have  passed  since  I  was  de- 
prived of  her  fostering  care,  I  often  look  back  with 
feelings  of  deep  thankfulness  for  her  gentle  teachings." 

"  My  dear  Kate,  I  know  not  how  to  express  my  es- 
teem for  such  noble  sentiments." 

"  Go,  my  love,"  said  his  wife,  "  go  to  London  imme- 
diately, and  no  matter  what  it  costs,  preserve  Mount 
Prospect  to  your  family." 

In  the  meantime  a  dialogue  was  going  on  in  the 
kitchen  between  Martin  and  Rose. 

"  What's  the  matter  ?  "  asked  Martin,  as  he  noticed  a 
change  in  her  appearance. 

"  More  trouble." 

"  What  trouble  ?    What's  out  now  ? "      . 


OR  TUE  DISINHERITED.  839 

"  Sir  William  Colborn  has  lost  his  property." 

"  What  do  ywi  say  ?     All  of  it  ?" 

«  All." 

"  Whew  !  —how  did  he  lose  it  ?" 

"  I  don't  know,  but  I  have  heard  that  the  estate  is  to 
be  sold  at  auction." 

"  Did  you  hear  them  say  so?" 

"  Yes,  and  they  are  taking  on  about  it." 

"  Why  should  they  take  on  so  ?  They  have  plenty 
of  money." 

"  Yes,"  said  Eose  with  a  smile,  "  Mr.  Pederson  left 
his  daughter  very  wealthy." 

"  I  know  he  did." 

Eose  placed  her  hand  on  his  shoulder,  and  looked 
him  in  the  face  affectionately,  but  Martin  as  usual  ap- 
peared quite  indifferent  to  her  advances,  and  did  not 
seem  to  take  the  intended  hint  that  she  was  partial  to 
him. 

Eose  turned  away  and  said  to  herself,  "  I  wonder  if 
all  men  are  as  stupid  as  he  seems  to  be  !  I  have  been 
for  a  long  time  trying  to  make  him  know  that  I  wish 
him  to  love  me,  but  he  does  not  or  will  not  take  my 
meaning.  I  do  not  wish  to  be  so  bold  as  to  ask  him 
outright,  but  let  me  see  —  I  have  it  now.  I  know  of  a 
plan  to  make  him  take  a  hint.  Yes,"  she  continued, 
"  master  left  his  daughter  a  very  large  fortune,  and  I 
am  also  named  in  his  will." 

"  What  do  you  say  ?  "  exclaimed  Martin  in  astonish- 
ment.    "  Did  he  will  you  anything  .? " 

"  Indeed  he  did." 

"  Are  you  in  earnest,  Eose  ?  " 

"  Of  course  I  am." 

"  How  much  did  he  will  you  ?" 


340  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  "What  would  you  give  to  know  ? " 

"  Oh  !  nonsense  !  you  are  joking,  Eose." 

"  I  tell  you  I  am  not." 

"  How  much  then  ?" 

"  Four  hundred  ! " 

Martin's  eye  brightened,  and  he  chucked  her  under 
the  chin. 

"  Ah  !  ha  !"  said  Rose  to  herself,  "  you  begin  to  wake 
up,  do  you?" 

"  Four  hundred  pounds  ?"  he  repeated. 

"  Certainly." 

"  Oh  !  my  dear,"  said  Martin,  "  that's  a  great  deal  of 
money,  indeed  it  is  " 

"  Ha  !  ha  !  ha  !"  cried  Rose,  "  you  dear  me  now,  but 
never  did  before." 

"  Nonsense  ! "  said  Martin,  taking  her  hand  in  his, 
"  don't  be  foolish,  Rose.  I  was  always  partial  to  you. 
But  how  do  you  know  that  you  are  mentioned  in  the 
will?" 

"  Mistress  has  told  me  so." 

"  And  when  can  you  have  the  money  ?" 

"  At  any  time." 

"Rose!  I  have  loved  you  for  a  good  while,  but  see- 
ing no  way  to  get  along  with  a  wife,  have  not  liked  to 
tell  you  so." 

"  You  don't  love  me,  Martin,  you  love  the  four  hun- 
dred pounds  !"  and  she  receded  from  him. 

"  I  tell  you  it  is  you  I  love  !"  and  he  followed  her,  and 
putting  his  arm  around  her,  kissed  her. 

"  You  never  tried  to  kiss  me  before  !  You  never 
would  kiss  me,  you  stupid  fellow  ! " 

"  Dear  Rose  !  give  up  this  nonsense,  and  tell  me 
when  we  are  to  be  made  happy." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  341 

"  Ha  !  ha !  ha  !    Are  we  not  happy  now  ? " 

"  Don't  tease  me,  Eose  !     You  know  what  I  mean  ?" 

"  No  !  I  can't  take  hints  !     "What  do  you  mean  ? " 

"  To  get  married." 

"  I  will  not  take  the  hint." 

"  Dear  Eose  !  will  you  not  have  me  ?" 

"  Ask  the  four  hundred  pounds." 

"  Eose !  dear  Eose !  don't  tease  me  so.  Will  you 
not  accept  of  me  for  a  husband  ?" 

"  They  are  to  start  for  London  to-morrow,"  said  Eose, 
"  and  you  are  to  go  w^ith  them." 

"  And  will  you  not  ask  to  be  taken  too,  dear  Eose  ? 
But  here  comes  Mrs.  Colborn,  and  I  must  be  off,"  and 
he  bounded  out  of  the  far  kitchen  door. 

The  following  day  preparations  were  made  for  the 
departure.  Eose's  request  had  been  granted,  and 
Mr.  Colborn  and  lady,  with  their  servants,  journeyed  to 
London,  and  took  the  rooms  which  they  formerly  occu- 
pied at  the  hotel. 

At  the  given  time  for  the  auction,  Colborn  rode  to 
Mount  Prospect.  There  were  gathered  about  the 
grounds  a  number  of  wealthy  gentlemen  who  were  bus- 
ily engaged  inspecting  the  estate,  while  others  were  at 
the  stables,  passing  their  opinions  upon  the  value  of 
the  horses  and  carriages.  Others  were  in  the  mansion, 
looking  at  carpets,  paintings,  furniture,  etc. 

Colborn  walked  upon  the  lawn  in  front  of  the  house, 
waiting  for  the  time  set  for  the  auction  to  open.  He  did 
not  inspect  an  article  belonging  to  the  estate,  as  it  mat- 
tered not  to  him  what  was  the  value  of  the  same ;  he  had 
appeared  there  to  purchase  it  at  any  price.  He  had 
upon  his  person  the  necessary  amount  in  bank  notes, 
and  had  the  creditors  known  of  his  determination,  they 


342  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

would  have  made  him  pay  dearly  for  Mount  Prospect. 
He  became  somewhat  irritated  on  seeing  so  many  men 
roughly  pushing  through  those  doors  that  had  long  been 
guarded  by  his  father's  servants,  but  when  he  thought 
that  he  should  soon  place  his  parents  again  in  posses- 
sion, he  became  more  tranquil. 

Precisely  at  twelve  o'clock  the  auctioneer  mounted 
the  steps  in  front  of  the  mansion,  and  after  a  long  har- 
angue about  the  splendor  of  this  and  the  durability  of 
that,  called  for  a  bid.  The  auction  proceeded,  and 
finally  the  entire  estate,  including  all  of  its  appurtenances, 
was  knocked  down  to  William  Colborn,  junior.  Hav- 
ing givea  checks  upon  the  bank  of  England  for  the 
amount,  he  received  the  deeds  and  bills  of  sale,  and  re- 
turned to  the  hotel. 

The  members  of  the  Colborn  family  shed  tears  of  joy 
when,  "on  the  following  day,  the  purchJise  of  Mount  Pros- 
pect by  the  disinherited  son  was  announced. 

"  Oh !  I  am  so  happy,"  cried  the  old  lady,  "  to  think 
that  our  dear  Mount  Prospect  is  still  to  be  retained  in 
our  family." 

"  My  noble  boy !  my  generous  son  1"  exclaimed  the 
general,  "  he  has  saved  us  from  ruin  and  poverty." 

"  And  me  from  the  grave,"  joined  his  lady. 

"  Pool !  fool  that  I  was,"  cried  the  general,  "  to  have 
disinherited  him.     How  can  I  ever  meet  him  ?  " 

But  this  colloquy  was  interrupted  by  the  announce- 
ment that  the  carriage  of  Mr.  Colborn,  Jr.,  was  at  the 
gate.  Sir  William  hurried  down,  and  having  drawn 
his  son  from  the  carriage,  cordially  grasped  his  hand, 
and  pressed  him  to  enter  the  house.  He  was  led  into 
the  presence  of  his  mother  and  sister.  They  embraced 
him  affectionately,  while  Nortl\  grasped  his  hand,  ancjL 
addressed  him  as  "  shipmate." 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  343 

"  Father  ! "  said  William,  "  here  are  the  documents 
that  reinstate  you  in  your  former  position,"  and  he  took 
from  his  pocket  a  small  packet  enclosed  with  an  envel- 
ope, and  presented  it. 

"  My  noble  son,  I  thank  you;  but  as  that  property 
will  be  yours  in  a  few  years,  I  prefer  that  you  hold  the 
papers,"  and  he  handed  them  back  to  his  son. 

"  Then,  dear  sir,  since  I  can  not  prevail  on  you  to 
accept  of  them,  let  me  beg  of  you  to  spend  the  remain- 
der of  your  days  at  the  homestead  of  our  fathers." 

"  I  will  gladly  accept  of  your  kind  invitation,  and  may 
God  bless  you  !"  said  the  general  in  a  faltering  voice. 
"  And  since  Melissa  is  no  longer  to  be  with  us,  I  beg 
that  you,  my  dear  WiUiam,  and  your  excellent  lady,  will 
occupy  our  former  places,  for  without  you  we  should  be 
indeed  lonely." 

"  Oh  !  by  all  means,"  urged  WilHam's  mother,  "  we 
could  not  do  without  your  worthy  wife." 

"  They  have  indeed  changed,"  thought  he,  "  for  it  is 
no  longer  —  the  low  girl  —  the  low  creature  —  you  are 
throwing  yourself  away;  no  longer  —  go  from  us  — 
you  are  disinherited.  But  your  excellent  wife  must 
come  and  live  with  us  —  w^e  could  not  do  without  your 
worthy  wife  —  you  are  my  noble  son,  etc.  However, 
they  are  my  parents,  and  I  must  overlook  it." 

"  Is  your  wife  in  London  ?  "  asked  Mrs.  North. 
"  She  is." 

"  We  must  call  on  her  at  the  earliest  opportunity. 
Where  are  you  residing  }  " 

"At  the  S  —  n  hotel." 

"  Oh,  indeed  ! "  said  Mrs.  Colborn,  "  I  shall  be  most 
happy  to  meet  my  daughter-in-law." 

"  And  so  shall  I,"  said  the  general,   "  let  us  go  at 


344  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

"  Grold  is  indeed  powerful,"  thought  'Winiam,  "  and 
the  old  saying  true,  *  that  money  makes  the  mare  go,' 
but  I  forgive  them." 

Mrs.  William  Colborn  rose  to  receive  them  as  her 
husband  ushered  them  in  at  the  S  —  n  hotel.  She  was 
dressed  in  plain  black,  but  looked  modest  and  lovely, 
as  she  would  have  looked  in  any  dress.  She  received 
the  parents  and  sister  of  her  husband  with  the  k-indest 
politeness,  and  as  if  she  had  never  been  slighted,  re- 
turned their  warm  greetings  with  equal  cordiality.  Mrs. 
North  soon  became  highly  pleased  with  her,  and  em- 
braced her  with  a  clear  conscience,  for  she  had  never 
taken  any  part  in  her  brother's  disinheriting. 

Her  parents,  however,  must  have  been  ashamed  of 
their  former  cruel  conduct  towards  their  son,  and  for 
all  they  had  said  against  his  wife,  and  must  have  been 
annoyed  with  feelings  of  remorse,  when  they  embraced 
her. 

They,  however,  showed  in  their  manners  that  they  re- 
gretted having  acted  so  rigidly  with  their  son,  and  hav- 
ing made  apologies  which  "William  and  Kate  begged 
they  would  not  mention,  the  scene  ended  in  a  perfect 
reeojiciliation. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  345 


CHAPTEK    XLI. 

THE    CONCLUSION. 

Mount  Prospect  was  again  occupied  by  Sir  William 
Colborn  and  his  family.  William  and  Kate  had  been 
prevailed  upon  to  reside  at  their  mansion,  but  they  were 
much  of  the  time  absent,  as  they  were  pleased  to  remain 
for  weeks  at  a  time  at  the  cottage,  and  sometimes  to 
travel  on  the  continent. 

Th6  same  gay  style  of  living  was  again  assumed  at 
the  mansion,  and  the  same  friends  mingled  in  the  mazy 
dance,  and  sat  at  the  choice  board  of  Sir  William  Col- 
born, as  formerly. 

It  was  soon  known  that  the  younger  Mrs.  Colborn 
w^as  a  very  rich  heiress,  and  that  she  had  redeemed  the 
estate  by  purchase,  and  was  not  only  very  beautiful  in 
person,  but  pleasant,  witty,  and  intelligent.  She  was 
very  much  respected,  and  her  society  coveted  by  the 
first  people  among  all  Sir  William's  widely  circulated  ac- 
quaintance. 

Indeed,  she  was  one  of  the  most  accomphshed  ladies 
in  that  circle.  Her  long  stay  at  the  Hague,  and  other 
places  on  the  continent  had  given  her  the  advantage  of 
the  society  of  Queen  Hortense,  Madame  de  Stael,  and 
other  talented  ladies,  and  her  bright  gifts  by  nature  had 
become  very  much  improved. 

The  excellent  and  beautiful  Arabella  still  figured  con- 
16 


346  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

spicuously  at  these  festivals,  and  became  intimate  with 
the  younger  Mrs.  Colboni.,  But  she  did  not  retain  the 
name  of  Surrey  long  after  "William's  marriage,  and  as 
he  conversed  with  her,  and  called  to  mind  her  honor, 
virtue,  and  purity,  and  as  he  looked  at  her  noble  hus- 
band, he  thought  that  he,  like  himself,  had  been  fortun- 
ate, for  he  knew  that  his  wife,  like  his  own,  w^as  a  prize. 

He  never  met  Ellen  again,  but  when  in  conversation 
the  family  of  Sir  James  happened  to  be  spoken  of,  a 
thought  would  flash  across  his  memory  of  the  bold  dash 
she  had  made  to  entrap  him  for  a  husband,  and  he 
concluded  that  he  who  was  so  unfortunate  as  to  take 
her  hand,  must  do  as  all  men  should  with  a  coquette, 
watch  her  ! 

Mrs.  Brady  continued  a  friend  of  the  family,  and  al- 
ways spoke  of  her  old  departed  friend  Mr.  Pederson  in 
terms  of  the  highest  esteem. 

Martin  married  Rose,  who  often  joked  him  on  the  idea 
that  four  hundred  pounds  had  more  power  over  him 
than  she  herself  had.  They  lived  at  the  cottage,  and 
kept  it  and  its  grounds  neat  and  tasty  for  the  reception 
of  their  master  and  mistress. 

Harry  and  Toono  still  continued  to  be  happy  at  their 
island  home,  as  is  shown  by  the  following  letter,  the 
contents  of  which  gave  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Colborn  no  little 
astonishment. 


or  the  disinherited.  347 

Otaiieite,  Dec,  18 — . 

Mr.  George  Pederson, 

Plymouth,  England, 

Dear  Father  : — I  have  written  to  you  a  number  of 
times  within  the  last  eight  years,  stating  my  adventures 
and  how  I  have  been  living  in  this  beautiful  island,  but 
as  I  have  never  received  an  answer,  nor  in  any  way 
heard  from  you,  I  presume  you  have  not  received 
my  missives.  I  will  therefore  pen  the  same  old  story 
again,  and  perhaps  this  may  reach  you. 

I  left  England  as  a  sailor-boy  in  the  last  month  of 
1787,  on  board  of  the  ship  Bounty,  Captain  Bligh.  The 
ship  was  sent  by  the  government  for  the  purpose  of 
procuring  bread-fruit  plants,  and  after  a  very  long  and 
tedious  voyage,  we  arrived  at  these  islands.  Having 
procured  about  a  thousand  plants,  so  far  accomplishing 
the  object  of  our  voyage,  the  ship  sailed  for  home.  The 
mutiny  of  which  you  doubtless  are  informed,  took  place 
in  April,  1789.  Mr.  Christian  was  the  leading  mutineer, 
and  after  they  had  taken  the  ship,  he  ordered  me  to  re- 
main with  him,  and  1,  being  only  a  youngster,  was 
obliged  to  do  as  he,  the  leader  of  the  strongest  party, 
wished. 

They  ordered  the  captain  and  others  into  a  boat,  and 
sailed  back  to  the  island  with  the  ship.  After  our  ar- 
rival at  Otaheite,  we  all  took  wives  of  the  native  women, 
many  of  whom  are  very  pretty.  I  was  married  by  the 
laws  of  this  island,  which  are  no  doubt  just  as  sacred  as 
those  of  civilized  countries. 

The  name  of  my  wife  is  Toono,  and  although  her 
seventh  little  one  now  creeps  upon  the  matted  floor  of 
our  cabin,  she  is  not  yet  twenty-seven.  She  is  the 
daughter  of  a  chief,  is  a  superior  person,  and  —  although 


348  LIEUTENANT  COLBORN, 

/  say  it  —  she  is  a  most  beautiful  woman.  With  her  I 
have  been  one  of  the  happiest  of  men,  excepting  for  a 
short  period  during  the  presence  of  the  frigate  Race- 
Horse.  She  cruised  among  these  islands  for  about  six 
months,  during  which  time  her  crew  harassed  us,  until 
my  comrades  were  all  killed  or  taken.  I  escaped  many 
times  most  miraculously  by  the  assistance  of  my  faithful 
Toono. 

My  last  escape  was  accomplished  by  leaping  into  the 
sea  and  diving  under  a  hollow  rock,  just  as  the  boat's 
crew  in  pursuit  fired  on  us.  We  remained  beneath  the 
rock  in  horrible  suspense  throughout  the  day,  as  we 
heard  the  officer  of  the  boat  say  that  the  frigate's  guns 
would  destroy  the  rock.  After  dark  we  dived  out,  and 
after  swimming  silently  to  the  shore,  concealed  our- 
selves in  the  forest.  Next  day  the  frigate  broadsided 
the  rock,  and  blew  it  to  atoms. 

The  first  lieutenant,  I  must  say,  behaved  very  kindly 
to  me  and  also  to  my  Toono. 

The  frigate  soon  after  sailed  from  the  island,  leaving 
me  to  safety  and  love.  I  have  ever  enjoyed  since  that 
time  as  perfect  happiness  as  can  be  bestow^ed  upon  man 
in  this  life.  It  is  true  that  I  should  like  to  see  my  old 
father  and  sister,  but  yet  as  I  am  more  nearly  connected 
here,  I  am  certain  I  shall  never  see  you  again.  In  fact, 
I  have  been  so  long  amongst  these  natives  that  I  should 
be  unhappy  elsewhere.  May  you  be  blessed  with  a 
long  life  of  comfort  in  this  world,  and  meet  with  a  re- 
ception into  that  heaven  we  have  been  taught  to  be- 
lieve exists  in  the  next. 

I  remain  your  aftectionate  son, 

Harry  Pederson. 


OR  THE  DISINHERITED.  3-i9 

■William  Colborn  informed  his  wife  what  he  had  seen 
at  those  islands,  how  Toono  had  been  a  prisoner  on 
board  the  ship,  and  afterwards  Harry,  and  how  he  had 
taken  a  most  singular  liking  to  him,  and  wished  him 
free. 

As  he  was  going  on  with  the  narrative,  he  observed 
the  tears  moisten  the  cheeks  of  Kate,  as  she  thought  of 
the  unfortunate  fate  that  seemed  to  have  been  marked 
out  for  her  brothers  ;  but  he  soon  caused  her  to  banish 
such  feelings  from  her  mind,  and  neither  of  her  brothers 
-were  ever  heard  of  afterwards. 

Our  hero  and  heroine  lived  for  years  in  happiness, 
being  blessed  with  many  children,  who,  imbibing  from 
both  parents  far  different  ideas  than  the  government  of 
their  own  country  granted,  became  dissatisfied,  and  emi- 
grated to  the  New  World.  They  there  united  them- 
selves with  their  prolific  Anglo-Saxon  cousins,  and  from 
them  sprang  into  existence  an  hundred  beings  who  to 
this  day  proudly  adhere  to  the  principles  of  republi- 
canism. 


FINIS 


E  E  E  A  T  A  . 


Page  11,  line  1  from  top,  read  "  Harry  had  been 
mourned  as  lost  at  sea." 

Page  17,  line  4  from  bottom,  omit  "  was  he," 
Page  21,  line  3  from  bottom,  omit  "  become." 
Page  73,  line  11  from  bottom,  read  "  top  mast  stay- 
sail." 

Page  73,  line  5  from  bottom,  read  "  latitude." 
Page  97,  line  1  from  top,  read  "  he  "  instead  of  "  she." 
Page  120,  line  12  from  bottom,  read  "  Egyptians " 
instead  of  "  Enorlishmen." 

Page  165,  line  7  from  top,  read  "  you  were." 
Page  320,  line  4  from  bottom,  omit  "  and  dazzled  by 
their  brilliancy." 


RARE  BOOK 
COLLECTION 


THE  LIBRARY  OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF 

NORTH  CAROLINA 

AT 

CHAPEL  HILL 

Wilmer 
951 


k*Ikkk 


m 


